Energy Management
Introduction:
In today’s power scenario, we are facing a major power crunch. Day by day, the gap between demand and supply of electric energy is widening. At present, the difference is about 8.8%, going up to about 12% in the peak period. Bridging this gap from the supply side is a very difficult and expensive proposition. Also, limited energy resources, scarcity of capital and high interest costs for the addition of new generation capacity is leading to the increased cost of electrical energy in India. The only viable way to handle this crisis, apart from capacity addition, is the efficient use of available energy, which is possible only by continuously monitoring and controlling the use of electrical energy.
Indian Energy Scenario:
• Generation capacity increased from 1, 400MW in 1947 to 1, 12, 058 MW in 2004.
• Gross generation increased 100-fold – from 5 billion units per year to 530 billion units per year in the same period.
• Still, the per capita electricity consumption is one of the lowest in the world @ 355kWh.
• Percentage of population with access to electricity is only 43% as against 98.6% in China and 52.9% in Pakistan.
• In spite of added generation capacity, it is still inadequate – peak shortage @ 12.2% and energy shortage @ 8.8%.
• Below Optimum Utilisation of existing generation capacity – Plant Load Factor only 72%.
• High T & D Losses – 45 to 50% as against International standards of 8 to 10%.
• Inefficient Utilisation of electric power by end consumer – Planning Commission estimates that over 25, 000MW equivalent capacity creation could be achieved through efficient utilization of electric energy by the end user.
Energy Management:
Energy Management is the judicious and effective use of energy to maximize profits (minimize costs) and enhance competitive positions. The objective of Energy Management is to achieve and maintain optimum energy procurement and utilisation,...