Energy Efficiency Tips for Industrial Heating Systems
Energy efficiency has become a hot topic of discussion with everyone from individuals to businesses looking at how they can optimise the use of their heating systems. A lot has been done across the industry, including how technology has evolved over the last decade. With this being said, it’s important to understand the advantages of energy-efficient heating systems and reasons why heating solutions can, in some cases, be inefficient. In addition, it is important to also explore strategies that can be implemented to get the most out of your industrial heating system. Together, these three areas give a deeper insight into how our view as a society is changing with the use of heating systems and our ever-increasing knowledge of modern heating.
Advantages of Energy-Efficient Industrial Heating Systems
Using an energy-efficient heating system is essential for businesses today. Besides lowering operational costs related to energy consumption, it also minimises carbon emissions, supporting sustainability. This aligns with businesses’ ESG goals and efforts to achieve net zero, contributing to the region's progress.
When it comes to direct impacts on heating equipment, any downtime can be reduced due to the heating system working more efficiently. The lifespan of equipment can also be prolonged in many cases. This is enabled by the system not needing to overcompensate for heat loss, for example, from poor insulation. Lastly, the inside environmental conditions can be improved by using more efficient heating systems. This includes not only overall comfort for individuals but also aspects such as ventilation, consistent temperatures being maintained, and overall compliance.
Reasons Why Some Older Industrial Heating Systems May Be Inefficient
A heating system may not operate efficiently for several reasons: aging equipment nearing the end of its useful life, deferred regular maintenance, or improper sizing. In such cases, companies may consider upgrading to more efficient systems with additional features.
It’s important to consult heating experts such as Winrow Building Services, particularly with many businesses being in a large space. Heating experts can make personalised recommendations for the space to ensure companies are selecting a solution that will fit their needs well. Poor insulation can also contribute to heating systems working overtime. This often leads to the systems requiring more regular maintenance and having shorter life spans.
With new heating systems, they often have integrated control and design features that are designed to simplify and enhance everyday operation. The absence of some of these features can prevent businesses from achieving optimal efficiency with their heating systems. Conditions both internally and externally to the facility can, to some degree, impact the running of heating systems. This can be from increased heat loads to more extreme heat conditions. In turn, this leads to the industrial heating systems working overtime to maintain the settings selected and can cause greater energy usage.
Energy Efficiency Strategies & Tips for Industrial Heating Systems
There are a number of tips and strategies that can be used to ensure you are achieving good energy efficiency with your industrial heating system. While numerous tips and strategies can be used, the list is endless that exists today. The below should be considered as a starting point in your journey to achieve better efficiency with your heating system.
Real-Time Monitoring
Firstly, implementing a system that has real-time monitoring features can be beneficial for users. This often allows users to understand usage, standard temperatures that are maintained, and, in some cases, can also allow for the system to detect issues that may arise. This aims to make the functionality and experience seamless and allow users to have a better understanding of general usage.
This can also be integrated with key control loops, such as via building management systems. This often works with the implementation of advanced sensors and enables the monitoring of a number of parameters of the system. This can also assist with identifying if the settings have been overridden by users. By identifying this, site managers can address any concerns and also seek feedback and implement accordingly. With the integration of building management systems, it is possible to achieve a reduction of up to 30% in energy consumption simply by utilising the control algorithms in the system.
Zone Heating
Zone heating can also be implemented by businesses where heating requirements may vary or in instances where constant heating may not be required. This helps to reduce energy costs and consumption levels when heating is not required. In modern systems, smart controls may be integrated with the system. This allows for easier and more seamless control of the system by users, whether that be remote operation, learning from the usual temperature range a system may be set at, etc. Ultimately, this can allow for greater efficiency to be achieved and better optimisation.
Efficiency of the System
The energy recovery units within an industrial heating system also have the capability of capturing any waste heat from exhaust air and are able to reuse the air for pre-heating or cooling of fresh air. This can conserve energy whilst also improving indoor air quality. In addition, ensuring sufficient insulation and appropriate duct sealing and duct layout will help optimise the efficiency of any heating systems in use. For example, ensuring proper insulation within a building can attract savings of up to 35% for businesses. The use of a combination of solutions may also be useful for some businesses. In some cases, air curtains, destratification fans, or radiant heating can be used. This is dependent on what is appropriate for the facility and the heating requirements.
Expert Advice from Heating Professionals
Most importantly, it’s good practice to work closely with heating professionals for a number of reasons. They can ensure proper installation and regular maintenance of heating systems. This way, while as a business you may conduct your own informal inspections every so often, a professional can also conduct the regular maintenance to ensure the system is working as it should be. In some cases, this may also be required to ensure the warranty of the system is valid. It also helps with identifying any issues early before they develop into a major issue.
Heating experts can also perform energy audits and give design recommendations based on the space and any requirements of the business. In addition, businesses should consider the fuel types for the industrial heating systems in use, including renewable energy sources. For example, the use of solar panels that can generate energy can be used to power appliances on site, allowing energy costs to be reduced.
In conclusion, as society’s awareness of energy consumption grows, the shift toward energy-efficient heating systems is both necessary and inevitable. Advances in technology, a better understanding of inefficiencies, and the adoption of strategic approaches have all contributed to smarter industrial heating systems. Adopting energy-efficient heating reduces costs, lowers environmental impact, and positions businesses for success in a changing landscape. Prioritising efficiency is key to a sustainable, responsible future. Contact Winrow today to schedule a site survey and ensure you select an optimal heating solution for your needs.
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