Peak shaving is a crucial strategy for reducing energy costs and managing demand in industrial settings. The most common industrial processes that benefit from peak shaving include:
1. Manufacturing Processes
Manufacturing often involves machinery that must run continuously and cannot be easily shifted to off-peak times. Peak shaving helps reduce demand charges by using alternative energy sources like battery storage during peak periods.
2. Data Centers
Data centers require constant operation and have high power demands. Implementing peak shaving strategies can help manage these loads efficiently, especially with the integration of on-site generation and energy storage.
3. Oil Refineries
These facilities have complex processes that cannot be easily stopped or delayed. Peak shaving helps refine operations by limiting grid intake during high-demand periods, which can be supported by energy storage systems or on-site power generation.
4. Chemical Plants
Chemical manufacturing involves continuous processes that are difficult to schedule around peak hours. Using peak shaving reduces strain on the grid and lowers energy costs without interrupting operations.
5. HVAC Systems in Industrial Facilities
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are critical for maintaining operational conditions in many industrial environments. Peak shaving can optimize these systems by using stored energy to reduce peak-time demands.
6. Refrigeration and Cooling
Processes requiring cooling, such as in food processing or chemical manufacturing, benefit from peak shaving as they can use stored energy to manage high cooling demands during peak periods.
Technologies Used for Peak Shaving in Industrial Processes
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Store energy during off-peak hours for use during peak times, balancing grid demand and reducing costs.
- On-Site Renewable Generation: Solar or wind power can be integrated with energy storage to support peak shaving strategies.
- Curtailment: Reducing non-essential operations during peak times to minimize consumption.
- Energy Efficiency Measures: Improving building insulation or optimizing equipment settings can also contribute to peak reduction.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-most-common-industrial-processes-that-benefit-from-peak-shaving/
