ESSENCE OF ENERGY SAVING

OPPORTUNITIES IN ELECTRICAL
UTILITIES-AN OVERVIEW
BY
V.SANKARA NARAYANAN, BE, FIE,
EXTERNAL FACULTY/PCRA
AND
FORMER ADDL. CHIEF
ENGINEER/TNEB
PH: 044-22381488
E-mail: vsn_4617@rediffmail.com
Introduction
Energy sources provide the ability to do
work.Since inception, the energy has formed an
important component to meet the day-to-day
needs of human beings. The degree of
civilization of any epoch, people is generally
measured by ability to use the available energy
to achieve their advancement or needs. Till the
end of world war-II, human muscle energy,
animal energy, fossil fuels and Hydel power form
the major sources of energy. After this the
nuclear energy and wind energy came into
prominence; the energy needs of the mankind
also increased manifold.
Introduction
Presently the uncertainty in the
supply of crude oil and its
products and the fast depletion
of fossil fuels has brought the
issues connected with Energy
Security and Sustainable
Development to centre stage.
Present Energy scenario
 Global Energy Scenario:
 Coal: Total Coal reserve 9,85,000 million
Tonnes
It will last for next 200 years(fig. Taken at the
end of 2002)
Share: USA ----- 25%
Russia---- 16%
China ---- 11%
India ---- 9%
Present energy scenario
 Global Energy scenario:
 Oil: Total oil reserve-1047 billion barrels(1 barrel = 160 ltr)
Share: Saudi Arabia – 25%
with the present rate of drawal, it may last for next 45-50 years
 Gas: Total reserve – 156 trillion cu.meters(As on 2002).
Share: Russia - 30%
 Nuclear energy: 50-75% of electricity generation
In the last 200 years, 60% of world’s primary energy
sources have been consumed. With the present rate (85%)
of the total global energy consumption from the non-
renewable fossil sources like coal, oil and gas, these sources
will not exist for future generations i.e.. we expose our
children to uncertainty in the Energy sources.
Present energy scenario
Actually we have not inherited the energy
sources in the universe from our forefathers.
But we got them on loan from our children.
They deserve a platform from which they
can learn and coordinate their lives and
livelihood. This can be achieved only by
energy conservation measures-children
represent the future whereas we represent
the past.
Present energy scenario
 Indian scenario
 Primary Energy mix in India:
 Coal: - Share: 55%
 Reserve-84 billion Tonnes. It will last for
235 years(approx)
 Import-22%
 Main consumers: Power generation,
Industries
Present energy scenario
 Indian scenario
 Primary Energy mix in India:
 Oil: - Share: 20% (Petroleum products)
 Reserve- 5.4 billion Barrels.
 Domestic Oil production- 32.33 million
Tonnes. Meets 30% of our needs.
 Main consumers: Transport – 53%
Domestic – 18%
Industry - 17%
Present energy scenario
 Indian scenario
 Primary Energy mix in India:
 Natural gas: - Share: 8%
 Reserve- 640 billion cu. meters
 Consumption- 96 cu.m/day. Supply from Domestic
sources-67 mcu/day nearly 50% is imported.
 Main consumers: Transport and Fertilizer Industry
 Other sources: Share: 17%
(Wind, Hydel Power, Biomass, Solar Power,
Biofuel-Biodiesel etc.)
Present energy scenario
 State scenario-Tamil nadu:
 Generation Sources of
TNEB(Thermal, Hydel)
: 5400 MW
 Central GOVT Generating
stations(Thermal, nuclear): 1900 MW
 IPP+ Co gen+Cap.gen : 1100 MW
Total 8400 MW
 Energy Security and its
importance
For a country to have “Energy Security”, it should have
adequate, dependable, energy sources. In other words, it
should stand on its own legs (ie) dependency on the
imported energy sources should be reduced to the
maximum extent possible. At present the energy security
of our country is far from satisfactory. It is because 75, 22
and 8-10% of our oil, coal, gas requirements respectively
are met from imports. Further there is no slow down of
imports; rather the imports of oil, and coal are steadily
increasing at the rates of 7% and 8% per annum
respectively. This sort of energy imports make our
economy and development vulnerable to shocks/threats.
Thus the energy security of our country is exposed to
dangers.
Energy Security and its
importance
To meet this threatening situation, the possible
strategies recommended are as follows:
 Building stock files.
 Diversification of energy supply sources.
 Increased capacity of fuel switching.
 Demand restraint(Demand management).
 Enhance the utilization of renewable energy
sources.
 Energy efficiency, Energy conservation
measures.
Energy Security and its
importance
Though all these options are feasible,
their implementation will take more time
and efforts. For a big country like ours,
which faces resources constraints, the
simplest and best option will be the
Economical Utilization of Energy
Sources by adopting persistent Energy
Conservation Measures.
Importance of Energy
conservation
Energy conservation and Energy Efficiency are
separate but related concepts. Energy efficiency
forms one of the measures of Energy
conservation which aims at the reduction of the
growth of energy consumption. Energy
conservation is the result of the several
processes or developments such as productivity
increase or technological progress. Energy
efficiency mainly concerns with the intensity of
energy usage in a specific product process or
area of production/consumption without affecting
output/comfort levels.
Importance of Energy
conservation
Energy efficiency is therefore viewed as a
resource like coal or oil. It provides additional
economic value by preserving the resource
base and reducing pollution (e.g) use of
compact fluorescent lamps in place of
convectional electric bulbs-with 1/4th of the
energy input. In simple terms, the energy
efficiency is nothing but using “less energy to
perform the same function”.
Benefits of energy
Conservation for various
players
 Industry:
 Reduced energy bills
 Increased competitiveness of their
products.
 Increased productivity
 Improved quality of product
 Increased profits
Benefits of energy
Conservation for various
players
• Nation:
 Reduced energy imports
 Cost savings can be used for poverty
reduction
 Conservation of limited resources
 Enhanced Energy Security
• Universe(Globe)
 Reduction in the emission of Green House
gases and other pollutants.
 A sustainable environment
ELECTRICAL UTILITIES
Following are the main areas connected with Electrical
Utilities. We can save upto 10-15% energy in this areas.
 Electrical System
 Electrical Motors
 Compressed Air System
 HVAC and Refrigeration System
 Fans and Blowers
 Pumps and Pumping System
 Cooling Tower
 Lighting System
 Diesel Generating System
LOW COST MEASURES
(i) Low load factor always lead to higher
losses. Hence as a first step to Energy
Savings in any plant, it is essential to
increase the load factor of the plant.
ii.         One professionally qualified Energy
Manager may be appointed as stipulated in
Energy Conservation Act 2001 for planning
and executing the energy saving measures in
the plant if not done earlier.
LOW COST MEASURES
 Welding circuit
 iii. Short welding cables with
minimum number of joints may be used.
 iv. When welding works are not in
process, the welding plants may be
switched off.
LOW COST MEASURES
 Power Delivery Network :
 v. The current and voltage imbalances
produced in the three phase circuit
feeding Man coolers, Air circulators,
Fans and Lights may be kept at
minimum by suitable re-distribution of
loads.
LOW COST MEASURES
 Lighting Circuit
 vi. The light fittings may be periodically
cleaned. Natural day light may be used
in places where it is possible and
practicable. The illumination in storage
and non-working areas may be kept at
the minimum level.
LOW COST MEASURES
 Motive Power Loads
 vii. Old motors with frequent rewounds may be
replaced with Energy Efficient Motors. Periodical
cleaning, lubrication, checking of bearings, belt
tightness and alignments may be carried out. This
will help to increase overall efficiency of motor
systems by 0.5%(approx.)
viii. Idle running of machines may be minimized.
ix. Arrangements may be made for the
switching off of fans, man-coolers and blowers
during lunch, tea breaks and other non-working
hours.
LOW COST MEASURES
– Shop Floors :
– x. While the cranes are in operation,
they may be loaded adequately during their
‘to and fro’ operations.
– xi. Limit switches or timers may be
installed at places where idle running of
equipment is frequently observed.
LOW COST MEASURES
 Compressed air circuit
 xii.    Running of air compressors may
be minimized during lean production
hours and close monitoring / plugging of
air leakages may be carried out.
 xiii.    The temperatures of the inlet air to
the compressor may be kept at the
minimum level.
LOW
  COST MEASURES
 The length of the compressor pipes may be reduced
by plugging to the pipes in the areas where
compressed air is not used or leaks are noticed.
Hence the chief recommendation to be made is to
decentralize the present compressed air delivery
arrangements and install smaller dedicated
compressors at load points located far off from the
central compressor room. Such a step will reduce the
problems experienced is supplying pressurised air to
pneumatic tools and equipment through lengthy pipe
lines with the attendant wastage of energy.
GENERAL
 An working environment which is conducive to
promoting energy saving and energy efficient use of
available energy the plant may be created. The
awareness of the operating staff in respect of Energy
conservation may be raised. It will act as a catalyst
for Energy saving measures in the plant. Benchmarks
may be set up for various activities in the plant.
Separate Specific energy consumption may also be
set for various protective activities in the plant and it
may be periodically compared with similar industries
and improvements may be carried out whenever
necessary. Periodical inspection of high power
consumption of area can be carried out.
GENERAL
 Energy efficient Equipment/devices with
maximum number of energy stars as
given by BEE/GOI may be procured and
employed during the erection of new
installations/replacement of failed
equipment like motors, AC equipments
and transformers. Procurement of
copper cables, low loss transformers
with copper windings and energy
efficient motors are worthy options.
GENERAL
 The wind solar hybrid power system utilize natural
energy sources in an optimal way. During the periods of
bright sunlight, solar energy is utilized for charging the
battery. Creating enough energy reserves to be used for
illumination and other purposes, the wind turbines
produce most of the energy during the monsoon periods,
when solar power generation is minimum. Thus this
hybrid combination provides an uninterrupted power
supply. The controllers used help to convert the D.C.
Power thus received to guide quality power by means of
suitable invertors.
 It is preferable for use in office buildings. The installation
of 5 KW of wind. Solar hybrid product works out to Rs.
16.32 lakhs ( Taxes extra )
GENERAL
Solar Photo Voltaic LED based lighting systems :
 LED based solar light is another novel device which
utilizes solar energy for illuminating office premises this
lighting system consists of one solar modular electronic
charge controller, battery and LED Based light fitting.
The LED light can burn up to 1,00,000 hrs. (12 times
more than that of a conventional FTL lamp). Another
important aspect is that its light is free from harmful
ultra violet rays which are commonly produced by all
other types of lamps. It is eco friendly and has a very
long life with zero operating cost.
 Investment cost needed for one unit of 4x3 watts
= Rs.72,000/- ST + extra
GENERAL
 When going for Re-engineering of the Power
distribution network at the shop floors, it is suggested
that exclusive 3 phase circuits with suitable switch
controls may be provided for lighting, welding
systems and for control of man coolers, air coolers,
fans and air conditioners.
 Servo stabilizers may be provided for the lighting
circuits so as to ensure the application of the required
optimum voltage (210 volt for the efficient functioning
of the lights). This stabilizer also rectifies the current
and voltage imbalances present in the power
supplied to the light fittings.
GENERAL
 It is preferable to install maximum demand
ammeters in all sub-station transformers so as to
ascertain the peak load incident on the transformers.
 The supply to yard lights and offices provided
may be suitably modified in such a way that
separate circuits may be provided for feeding
offices, shop floors and yard lights with suitable
isolators. In the yard light system distribution
pillars may also be introduced at appropriate
locations to ensure an effective control. Timers
may also be introduced in the circuit to avert the
unwanted burning of yard lights and shop floor
lights.
GENERAL
 Air Conditioning Plants :
 The draft reduction will help to achieve
the notable energy savings. The areas
of air leaks like gaps along the edges of
doors windows and its frames etc may
be identified and the required air
tightness of the building may be
arranged; periodic inspection of AC
equipment has also to be arranged.

GENERAL
Application of Predictive Engineering Techniques
 The prediction engineering techniques like vibration analysis, oil
analysis on mechanical devices and infra red thermograph may be
applied regularly.
 These techniques will help to identify and rectify of the problematic
energy waste areas. The infra red technology is used to inspect the
integrity and operating status of critical drives and plant systems.
 Vibration analysis are helpful in predicting the poor performance of
the rotating plant and machinery. The oil analysis of mechanical
devices which rides on a film of oil are very useful in predicting its
performance. The level of contamination / the deterioration of the oil
film will help to diagnose the problems present in the devices.
Negative sequence current operated relays may be provided for the
motors rated 5 HP and above so as to avoid failure motors due to
single phasing.
GENERAL
 Due to the extensive use of variable
speed drives, welding plants and
computers, there are chances for the
presence of harmonics in the Electrical
Network of the plant. Hence it is
desirable to perform Harmonic analysis
in the plant regularly and corrective
actions taken.
MOTIVE POWER LOADS
The Energy conservation techniques related to motive
power loads are as follows:
 Using flat belt in place V-belts for the drives
 Replacement of old conventional motors by energy
efficient motors
 Converting delta winding of the lightly loaded motors to
star connection
 Provision of cyclic load Energy savers for star delta
motors
 Provision of soft starters
 Provision of suitable capacitors at the motor terminal or
at a location very close to the motor terminals.
MOTIVE POWER LOADS
 Replacing Aluminium fan blades with
FRP fan blades
 Using variable speed drives
 Minimum current release for idly running
motors
 Replacement of motors that are
continously operating at low loads with
smaller capacity motors by performing
periodical motor load surveys.
LIGHTING
 Well illuminated Hospital will look
like five star Hotel………

 Bad illuminated Hotel will look like

Hospital!!!!!
Efficient installation Mantra
 Lamp
 Control gear
 Luminaire
 Lighting design
 Control system
 Maintenance
 Day Light.
 Lighting being the most visible
form of energy perhaps attracts
more attention than other areas
of power utilization
What should be the right
approach?
What should be the right approach?
 Look at lighting system --- not merely light
source , ballast or any isolated item.
 SAVE ENERGY NOT LIGHT

 Key to Energy saving is first to provide

lighting comfort and second to achieve same
with minimum energy consumption.
LIGHTING SYSTEM
Some of the considerations/design aspects that warrant
attention to achieve notable savings in the lighting
system are
 The Quantification of Energy Efficiency and Energy
savings revolve around fixing the right illumination
levels for the job assigned(purpose and the design of
the lighting system to achieve the levels and the
estimated Power consumption in the circuit.
 Replacement of less efficient, older illumination system
with modern energy efficient system.
 Proper control and maintenance of the power supply
made to the lighting system with the aid of separate
lighting circuits and meters.
LIGHTING SYSTEM
 Installation of separate lighting transformer or
servo stabilizer(Energy saver)
 Utilization of day light to the maximum extent
possible.
 Provision of time switches or photo switches or
occupancy sensors to control unwanted
use/wastages
 Wide application of high frequency electronic
balance in FT lamp circuits, slim 36 watts, T5 FT
lamps in place of 40 watt FT lamps, CFL and LED
lamps in place of FT lamps. Use of Power factor
corrector light fittings.
LIGHTING SYSTEM
With his in view following energy saving opportunities in the
lighting system may be identified:
i. Replacement of conventional FT lamp fitting with
CFL/slim FT lamps/T5 FT lamps/LED lamps
ii. Replacement of Electromagnetic chokes in FTL fitting
with Electronic chokes.
iii. Regulation of voltage applied to lamps used in
separate lighting transformers
iv. Introduction of timers in Street light circuits
v. Provision of a separate LT distribution circuit for
catering to the supply of street lights, office lighting
system, shop floor illumination system and balancing
these loads regularly.
 T5 Lamp
T12 (38mm)
T5 (16mm)

 Optical controllability and better luminaire

efficacy.
 Aesthetic
 Efficacy
 Lamp life
 Low mercury content 3 mg compare to 15 mg of
T8 Lamps
 Different wattages lamps have same surface
brightness and hence uniform light in case of
cove lighting applications.
T5 Lamp
T12 (38mm)
T5 (16mm)

 Smaller size Luminaire

 T5 HO luminaire can replace MH High
Luminaires.
 T5 HO is suitable for Direct /indirect
luminaires.
 Single T5 HO can replace two nos T8 lamps.
 Smaller size luminaire can be placed close to
the ceiling and hence better incase of low
mounting height areas
 FIBRE FIBRE OPTIC
LIGHTING OPTIC LIGHTING

FIBRE OPTIC LIGHTING

LED
What is LED ?

LED is a semiconductor diode which is formed by

joining two slightly different material to form a PN
junction.
 LED – Life and Efficacy
TYPE WATTAGE
LUMEN / WATT

INDICATOR LAMP 0.05W

1

BRIGHT LED 0.2W

16

HIGH POWER LED 1 - 5W

32
WITH HEAT SINK

LED LIFE COLLIMATED BEAM LED HOURS. 1W

: 1 LAC BURNING
32
 Advantages of LED

1. Long Life---l00,000Hrs.
2. Efficacy 10-40 lm/w
3. Maximum Wattages -5w
4. Dynamic Colour Control
5. No - Hg
6. No - UV
7. Compact in size
LED Street
Lighting
MAGNETIC BALLAST TO ELECTRONIC
BALLAST
 ELECTRONIC BALLAST
INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL
BALLAST
DOMESTIC BALLAST THD < 10%
+
CONSTANT WATTAGE

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERC
IAL BALLAST DIMMABLE BALLAST

THD < 30%

Lighting Control

Reduce Energy cost

Maintain or improve occupant
satisfaction and comfort.
Domestic, Commercial, Hospital
and Educational Institution
Sectors
Most of the consumers of these sectors do not
have much knowledge about the availability of
energy efficiency equipment and devices. Hence
greater efforts are required to promote awareness of
energy conservation and energy efficiency among
these groups and also introduce them to new
technologies, its performance and cost effectiveness,
impressive gains to be made in the areas of lighting,
heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Marching on
An overview on the general areas of Energy
management, with a special focus on the energy
saving opportunities in Electrical Utilities have
been presented.
It is expected that all the consumers may
have an awareness of energy conservation and
will change their outlook and come forward to
adopt various measures so as to achieve the main
goal viz. Energy Security of the nation.