Energy and Energy Efficiency?

Winter, 2010 Community
Author: Bill Chisholm

- Hola, I was talking with a friend today, who does high tech graphics for an engineer that specializes in detection and analysis systems. Our discussion was over a wide range of topics which included energy and energy efficiency. Later she talked with the engineer, who works on various systems world wide and this is what he said. "...during our conversation, he mentioned that the #1 worldwide electrical loss involvescompressed air. It is produced using electricity at a low efficiency level. Leaks in the process forces utilities to produce more energy. It is typical for a plant to waste between $5,000 to $50,000 a year in electricitydue to this process. The #2 culprit, worldwide, is Steam losses. ..................... The devices that are used for condensation typically are at 30% failure mode." Most of my work on energy efficiency has been on homes, office buildings and schools, but when I think about it in my own experience there must be huge wastes in these areas on the industrial and shop level. This may be a place for some real creative engineering. Any thoughts on this one? Bill Chisholm

Back to Current Edition
Search all WBM Times Articles