Beat the Heat: Unlocking the Power of Energy Efficiency in Cooling

Sookrit Malik, Co-Founder & CEO, Energeia

As global warming intensifies, the demand for cooling systems to combat rising temperatures has surged. This shift has resulted in a 12.7% increase in peak energy demand, causing a 10% rise in electricity generation. Alarmingly, 60-75% of this electricity comes from coal-based power plants, dramatically increasing carbon emissions. Without decisive action to tackle climate change or how we consume our energy, this detrimental cycle will only worsen.

Long-term solutions to climate change require decarbonizing electricity generation. However, in the near term, prioritizing energy efficiency emerges as the fastest and most cost-effective strategy. The key question is: How do we prioritize energy efficiency and unlock its benefits?

The first step is conducting thorough energy audits. Contrary to popular belief, fuel and electricity costs for factories and commercial buildings are not fixed; they fluctuate based on how efficiently they consume energy. By conducting such audits, we can pinpoint  inefficient equipment and identify opportunities for adopting new energy efficient technologies.

Energy audits are often seen as a means to fulfill governmental regulations rather than a reliable path to reducing energy bills. However, it’s imperative to shift this perspective towards conducting audits with the aim of actively reducing energy demand, costs, and carbon footprints. Data-driven IoT energy audits, which provide continuous energy monitoring, have proven more reliable than traditional audits, allowing for more precise identification of cost-saving opportunities.

A lack of understanding of actual cooling requirements, combined with the poor efficiency and control strategy of HVAC systems, leads to excessive energy use. As our cooling needs grow, we become more dependent on chillers and motors. Ensuring their efficient functioning becomes progressively vital. Therefore, continuous monitoring and maintenance of equipment and system efficiency are essential for optimal performance.

Furthermore, technological advancements offer significant opportunities for improved efficiency. For instance, ABB recently introduced IE6 – a synchronous reluctance motor technology – which boasts of a superior efficiency and promises a 20% reduction in energy losses compared to the IE5 motors.

Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) have also gained traction recently. They improve energy efficiency by controlling the speed and torque of AC motors, allowing for precise adjustments to match actual demand rather than running motors at full power continuously. This results in significant energy savings, particularly in applications where motors operate at part-load or with varying demands. As our climate becomes more volatile, we need our systems to be able to fluctuate with it. The trick is to make the systems more dynamic as opposed to static and fixed.

Moreover, innovations in maintenance technologies, such as Descaling Balls that improve heat transfer efficiency, allow for lower downtime and higher system performance.

Gujarat’s approach with its Gujarat International Fin-Tech (GIFT) City exemplifies innovative strides toward energy efficiency in cooling. The city has implemented a district cooling system (DCS), which conserves up to 30% more energy compared to traditional systems. While adopting new technologies is vital, addressing existing infrastructure is equally critical.

While updated technology and data-driven audits are the first steps, sustained performance of the equipment over the long term requires ownership and accountability. It is crucial to invest in upskilling our electricians and maintenance technicians to collaborate with ESCOs, who excel in data analysis and actively monitor efficiency benchmarks to ensure long-term performance.Clear metrics for measuring changes are essential, and the added layer of technical expertise is indispensable for achieving our goal of reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.

As cooling demands and pollution levels rise, active engagement and action towards a more energy-efficient future are imperative. Optimizing cooling processes in factories and buildings through informed, technical actions is essential. If there is a Step Zero to Net Zero, this is it.