ABB introduces UK’s largest energy appraisal team
1 min read
ABB has launched a 50-person energy appraisal team, which it claims can deliver a plant energy saving potential analysis for motor-driven applications within half-a-day.
Steve Ruddell, divisional manager for ABB's discrete automation and motion business, explains that the team comprises trained engineers from ABB and its technical partners, and adds that the analyses are offered free and without no obligation.
"Over the past decade we have evolved and refined an energy appraisal technique. This approach has been designed into a process in which each engineer is now trained," says Ruddell.
"It includes knowing precisely where to look and what to look for in a motor-driven application so as to find its optimum energy usage," he continues.
Ruddell makes the point that a drive and electric motor combination, when used to control the speed of applications, such as pumps and fans, can reduce a plant's energy bill by up to 70% with, generally offering a payback of less than 12 months.
He also reminds us that 65% of the total electricity at industrial sites is consumed by electric motors – which makes the need for an energy appraisal very plain.
"This is by far the largest and most professional energy appraisal team for motor-driven applications in the UK," asserts Ruddell. "ABB is never more than 45 minutes away from any industrial or commercial site in the UK. What makes this team extra special is that they take the time to understand a customer's process by getting to grips with the impact of all motors when applied to fans, pumps and compressors."
And he insists that ABB's appraisals will be correct. "Each engineer is equipped with an energy appraisal toolkit. The toolkit reflects the level of detail and experience that we apply to each appraisal," he explains.
"For example, it features a telescopic mirror used to get into the difficult areas where motors are often located, so that we can get to the motor nameplate data.
"We have a camera for capturing each process; a torch to make sure we miss no detail; a tape measure so that we can determine the space needed if a variable speed drive is to be installed; and an energy meter that allows us to measure the before and after energy use of a particular application."
