The increasing cost of electrical power supply is of great concern to the business world. Budget for Power supply has become a critical factor to be considered when planning for a financial year. Here in Nigeria, the cost could form 50% of the overall budget in view of the fact that the national utility supply is highly unreliable and the cost of fuel for running power generator is highly unstable for various reasons.
It has become very necessary to consider ways to bring this cost to the bearest minimum by critically looking at measures that can be adopted in various organisation to reduce this cost. Listed below are some of such measures.
The plan to effectively manage the cost of electricity should first be evident in the electrical services design. The consulting engineers should be properly briefed about the intended office application for such building. For example, if the intended office application implies that a lot of machines are going to be installed then the consultants will have to consider ways to improve the efficiency of the supply such that the client will not be paying much more than is really required for the operations. Improper planning could lead to additional 30-50% of wasted power annually.
For large corporations, the electrical power requirements are always very large. This also affects the size of generators and consequentially cost of fueling. For effective management of the cost of electricity, the consultants should effectively segment the load into various groups. For example, the air-conditioner power requirement may form a group, interior lighting and small power may be another group, emergency systems, external light and power requirement for lift, water treatment and supply, sewage treatment and such like may form another group.The grouping will make it easier for sizing the generators for different power requirement: instead of planning for a gen set, three sets may be planned for such that the smallest gen set work at night while the two bigger ones manage the load between the peak and off peak periods in the day time.
Lighting can be responsible for up to 20% of total electricity consumption and in office Buildings it can account for as much as 50% of energy costs. The introduction of power efficient light system luminaries can also go along way to reduce the cost of power supply.
Automatic control products allow the lighting level to be pre-programmed and then automatically dimmed or switched off in response to movement or changes in natural light levels.
The most basic form of lighting control is the simple wall ON/OFF switch. It is however possible to introduce a level of simple automation even when the need is only to provide a switched mains supply to a luminaire. A passive infra red presence detector either surface mounted or recessed will register someone entering a room and switch the lights on and off on exit. Presence detectors are available with built-in photocell, dual circuit operation, long range coverage up to 12 metres and microwave versions for up to 30 metre detection. A photocell measures the level of natural light and can be used to switch the lights on or off. SwitchLite products are designed to fulfil these functions.
Light levels can be controlled by brightening or dimming the output from luminaires. Any
digitally enabled luminaire with a Tridonic Eco ballast can be controlled by a simple retractive
switch. The simple SwitchDIM wall switches (one two or three gang) can be used to brighten dim or
restore the previous light level of a group of luminaires. ControLiteDim is a modular system which can dim or brighten three groups of digitally (DSI) controlled luminaires.
From a simple presence detector turning off the lights in an unoccupied office, to the use of pre-set scenes in a complex conference room with different seating layouts, room dividers and ambient light levels, there is a lighting control solution for every working and leisure environment.
For new development, their application could be fully deployed and for existing system they can be used to replace failed ones. There are also automatic light control systems providing a more comfortable and efficient working environment. Even the simplest lighting control can help to minimize wasteful use of light.
By monitoring occupancy together with natural ambient light levels and by minimizing the generation of unwanted light, the modern work place can be transformed to provide a more comfortable and efficient environment, at the same time, cutting lighting bills. (Thorn)
(THORN Lighting Catalogue)
The introduction of the prepaid electronic metering system has enhanced power management a great deal both on the supply and consumer ends. Consumers can now plan for the cost of power utilized monthly while the supplier effectively bill and get s paid adequately. The culture of power savings is naturally enhanced.
The last to be considered is the basic office attitude of turning off un-used devices and equipment. The culture must be stressed periodically. Measures can also be in place to monitor power usage in various departments and reward such with the best consistent power consumption annually. The organisation can also make their projected budget for power usage known to staff and quarterly check that it is within budget allocation. It could also be stressed that if the annual cost falls below budget the balance will be added to the annual bonus as additional incentive. Electronic metering system
In summary, it is very important for power to be adequately budgeted for either for public or private application and in budgeting; the above factors should be given consideration. However, for the plans to work, Organisations must put in place measures to effectively check that their power consumption system is efficient and controllable.
For more infomation
ODUSINA, ADEWALE F.
Managing Partner
Hiworks Services Ltd.
Tel: +2348025357926, +2348037871708
Email:hwsl2014@gmail.com, adewaleodusina@gmail.com
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