Peak shaving offers several benefits to the manufacturing industry, particularly in managing energy costs and enhancing operational sustainability.
Benefits of Peak Shaving in Manufacturing
1. Cost Savings
- Reduced Demand Charges: Manufacturing facilities often face high demand charges based on their highest power consumption during a billing period, usually measured in 15-minute intervals. Peak shaving helps lower these charges by reducing the maximum power draw from the grid during peak times, leading to significant savings on utility bills.
- Lower Energy Costs: By reducing energy consumption during peak hours when electricity is most expensive, manufacturers can minimize their overall energy expenditure. This is achieved by using stored energy or alternative power sources during peak periods.
2. Operational Flexibility and Efficiency
- Production Continuity: Peak shaving allows manufacturing processes to continue uninterrupted even during peak demand times, as it utilizes alternative energy sources or energy storage systems to avoid grid reliance. This ensures production continuity without impacting operations.
- Strategic Scheduling: While peak shaving itself doesn’t shift loads to off-peak times, it allows for better management of energy-intensive processes, enabling strategic scheduling and optimization of operations to maintain efficiency.
3. Environmental Benefits and Sustainability
- Renewable Energy Integration: Peak shaving facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources by storing excess energy generated during off-peak times and using it during peak periods, thus promoting sustainable operations and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: By minimizing grid consumption during peak hours, manufacturing facilities contribute to lowering their carbon footprint. This is especially beneficial when combined with renewable energy sources.
4. Energy Independence and Grid Stability
- Reduced Grid Reliance: Peak shaving helps manufacturing facilities become more energy-independent by utilizing on-site power generation or energy storage systems during high-demand times, which stabilizes operations and supports grid resilience.
- Grid Stability: By reducing peak demand, manufacturing facilities contribute to maintaining grid stability, which is crucial during periods of high energy demand.
In summary, peak shaving offers manufacturing industries a way to manage their energy costs effectively while promoting sustainability and operational efficiency.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-peak-shaving-benefit-the-manufacturing-industry/
