An approach to electricity monitoring and targeting (M&T) in Irish precision engineering SMEs

Abstract

Energy management in small to medium enterprises (SMEs) remains undeveloped due to competing priorities and a lack of specialist knowledge. However considerable savings can be demonstrated where companies take the time to investigate their energy use and the specific production drivers that influence it. Savings of over 20 % can be achieved through changes to operational and behavioural practice. Additional benefits, such as improved production tracking and improved maintenance, can been seen which add to the value in undertaking an energy monitoring and targeting (M&T) plan. The method described involve the analysis of overall energy use from utility bills and the visualisation of power profiles to aid in understanding the drivers of energy consumption. The monitoring of specific machines in production highlights the significant consumption of electricity during non-productive times. The development of specific energy performance indicators (EnPIs) are described for product variations which can be useful in tendering for business and selecting optimum production pathways. The approach is illustrated with data from a case study of a precision engineering SME based in Limerick, Ireland.