Maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring that a company’s physical assets continue to operate efficiently and reliably. In addition to meeting quality and safety standards, maintenance should also consider energy efficiency as an integral part of its function. Below, we explore how maintenance can contribute to improving energy efficiency in an organization.
Maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring that a company’s physical assets continue to operate efficiently and reliably. In addition to meeting quality and safety standards, maintenance should also consider energy efficiency as an integral part of its function. Below, we explore how maintenance can contribute to improving energy efficiency in an organization.
Operational Reliability
Maintenance aims to enhance equipment reliability, which involves reducing failures that could cause unplanned interruptions in operations. However, operational reliability depends not only on maintenance but also on the entire system, including processes, technology, and human factors.
Concept of Failure
It is crucial to clearly define the desired functions of an asset to determine maintenance objectives in terms of reliability and availability. In this context, any increase in energy consumption of equipment due to poor maintenance is not considered a direct failure but can result in significant hidden costs.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency refers to the relationship between the energy consumed and the production or work performed. It is essential to reduce energy losses and increase energy performance to improve efficiency. With rising energy costs and growing energy demand, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency and Design
When acquiring new equipment, energy efficiency should be a key factor to consider throughout the asset’s lifecycle. For existing facilities, improving energy efficiency may require evaluations and possible modifications to facility design.
Energy Efficiency and Operation
Poor operational practices can affect both operational reliability and energy efficiency. It is crucial to train and raise awareness among operational staff about the importance of their role in maintaining efficient equipment.
Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Maintenance should consider energy consumption as an integral part of its function. Maintenance actions should be designed to avoid energy inefficiency and minimize the impact of potential failures on energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency Indicators
Monitoring and evaluating energy efficiency requires establishing specific indicators. These indicators allow for tracking energy performance and taking corrective actions when necessary.
Maintenance plays a crucial role in enhancing an organization’s energy efficiency. By prioritizing energy efficiency and establishing specific performance indicators, companies can optimize their energy consumption and improve their competitiveness in an increasingly demanding business environment.