Machining of mechanical parts with fine features and complex shapes
The measure aims to replace laser cutting and etching of mechanical parts with the photochemical machining (photo etching) process which consists of “printing” the component design onto a photoresist laminated onto a metal sheet. The areas of photoresist that have not been printed are removed, exposing the metal, which is then chemically removed.
Chemical etching, also known as photochemical machining, photochemical milling or photo etching, can be used to create complex and high-precision components with extremely tight tolerances from almost any metal.
This measure can lead to a very significant reduction in electricity consumption. The installation of this technological innovation requires a partial production shutdown for its implementation and would entail a medium- to long-term return on investment.
Remplacer une découpeuse laser CO2 par une découpeuse laser à fibre optique
This measure aims to replace a hydraulic bending machine or press brake operating with a three-phase asynchronous motor, with equivalent technology equipped with a servo motor. The hydraulic system runs continuously, even when the machine is not producing, resulting in significant and unnecessary energy consumption.
Implementing this measure can reduce electricity consumption by more than 30%. It is quite easy to carry out and does not require production shutdown. Although the technology is highly mature, energy cost savings alone may not always be sufficient for a return on investment. However, the lower the machine’s operating frequency, the greater the potential for energy and financial savings. It is therefore recommended to prioritise retrofitting machines with short operating times maximise return on investment.
Replacing the hydraulic bending machine and press brake with a servo motor driven system
This measure aims to replace a hydraulic bending machine or press brake operating with a three-phase asynchronous motor, with equivalent technology equipped with a servo motor. The hydraulic system runs continuously, even when the machine is not producing, resulting in significant and unnecessary energy consumption.
Implementing this measure can reduce electricity consumption by more than 30%. It is quite easy to carry out and does not require production shutdown. Although the technology is highly mature, energy cost savings alone may not always be sufficient for a return on investment. However, the lower the machine’s operating frequency, the greater the potential for energy and financial savings. It is therefore recommended to prioritise retrofitting machines with short operating times maximise return on investment.
Battery storage – a key lever in optimising your electricity consumption
As part of the decarbonisation process, electricity is playing an increasingly central role in businesses, gradually replacing other energy sources such as fossil fuels. It is therefore becoming increasingly more important for companies not only to control their electricity costs but also to optimise consumption and self-generation in order to maximise their energy potential – for example through the use of a photovoltaic system, and in some cases, in combination with a battery storage system.
Commercial and industrial battery storage systems, with capacities ranging from 30 kWh to several MWh, enable companies to increase the self-consumption of on-site renewable electricity generation and thus reduce energy costs. By reducing power peaks, they allow for improved peak load management and thereby significantly reduce a company’s electricity bill. To fully leverage your battery’s capacity and increase your profits it is equally essential to install an energy management system (EMS).
The following measure outlines in which scenario the installation of a battery storage system is recommended and beneficial – and how its implementation can be planned.
Promoting self-consumption and electricity sharing within your company
Self-consumption refers to using the electricity that you generate on your own. This approach helps you become less reliant on the energy market and suppliers, insulating you from price fluctuations. For instance, by installing solar panels, you can produce renewable electricity that meets your company’s electrical needs, whether it’s for lighting, powering an EV-charging station, or running other appliances. Additionally, this self-produced energy can also be used to power larger systems like heat pumps.
The following article provides an overview of various self-consumption methods, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks, along with the necessary procedures, available subsidies, and relevant measures.
Electric mobility, a key element in the decarbonisation of your company
In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, replacing internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles is crucial. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to the transport of people and goods keep rising within the European Union. This concerns all types of vehicles, and a transition is necessary to meet national and European targets.
Purchasing these vehicles in principle requires the installation of one or more electric charging station(s) and can be supplemented by the installation of photovoltaic panels.
Key steps and aspects to consider when planning and implementing this change are outlined below.
Individual behaviour has a major influence on resource consumption. To make employees aware of the impact of their actions, an awareness campaign is ideal.
The details below provide guidelines for setting up a staff awareness campaign, to ensure responsibility and lasting commitment to the themes of energy, resources, and climate within the organisation.
How to reduce electricity costs through intelligent use of IT equipment
The growing use of IT equipment inevitably leads to an increase in energy consumption, whether due to the execution of software applications, communications via LAN/Wi-Fi networks, etc.
The link between IT equipment and energy consumption is not directly visible, as electricity consumption is not dissociated from the other electrical installations available within the company.
Carrying out a sustainable IT diagnostic enables company managers and employees to optimise their digital environmental footprint and consumption.
How to reduce electricity costs thanks to your company’s server infrastructure
In most companies, the need for a server room has become a matter of course. Unfortunately, information on the energy consumption of the technological equipment used is not necessarily available prior to installation. IT infrastructures require a lot of energy and represent high costs, which are generally accepted as they are. However, there is great potential for savings.
With a view to optimising the server infrastructure, the following steps indicate a recommended analysis approach.
Energy savings: lighting, a key element in energy consumption in the workplace
Lighting accounts for around 10% of electricity consumption in buildings. The potential savings are quite varied and depend heavily on the condition and management of the lighting system. In order to unlock the full potential, this measure proposes a range of optimisation measures, from simple practical initiatives to a complete overhaul of the lighting system.
