CONSERVATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY ASPECTS AND PROSPECTS

CONSERVATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY IN COMMONSENCE

ENERGY NEITHER BE CREATED NOR DESTROYED BUT CAN BE
CONSERVED
CONSERVATION OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY CATCH WORDS FOR
COMMON PEOPLE.
1. Introduction: - At the outset let us discuss the concept, the meaning, the definition
and the idea of the conservation of energy. Many a times common people think that the
conservation of energy is something like to save or to reserve the available energy for
future by reducing the energy consumption or by the suppression of the demand.
Energy Conservation is a wise and efficient use of the available energy in order to
ensure that for a given amount of energy, we are achieving maximum activities,
productive work and profitability. Thus conservation does not mean the curtailment in
energy-use at the expense of industrial and economic growth. It means the efficient
utilization of energy resources ensuring the same level of economic and industrial activity
with less inputs of energy. Energy efficiency is achieved when energy intensity in a
specific product, process or area of production or consumption is reduced without
affecting output, consumption or comfort levels
Energy Conservation has become the catch words of every body, starting from the
Government bureaucrats, technocrats to even general public. All concerns are thinking
about the conservation of energy but only a few are conscious about the same. The whole
gamut of energy related problems of Economic and Social Infrastructure of our societies
now demands and deserves urgent, cogent and incisive consideration and attention for the
improvisation of the present practice of the consumption of energy, especially the
Electrical energy. Under such circumstances, although the Government is expected to
take measures to increase generation, the consumers also owe responsibility to utilize the
energy conservatively and most judiciously. The optimum use of electrical energy not
only results in cash savings, but also improves the economy of the country substantially.
Thus there is urgent need for Energy Management and Control, which ultimately
concludes with the practice of Energy Conservation.
2. WHY ENERGY CONSERVATION?
Energy security- national policy
Depleting oil- may last few decade
Increasing demand
Provide quality of life
Sustainable development
Environment issues
Postpone zero availability date of energy sources
For future generation

3. ELECTRICITY USED FOR

Motion (motors consume 70%)

Lighting
HVAC (heating, vent. Air cond.)
Processes
Power management
IT equipment
Agriculture
Others
3.1 Consumption Table
Sl Category

%
Consumption
62

Industrial

Domestic and
Commercial

22

Agricultural

12

Others

Loads
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Electrical Drives
Industrial heating and welding
Space heating and Air Conditioning
Compressors
Electrical lighting
Process
auxiliary consumption

1. Lighting, fans, pumps, refrigerators,

kitchen appliances, washing machines,
water heaters,
2. TV/Entertainment, Computers, AC,
Room heaters, Inverters
3. Energy gizzers- heaters, ac
1. Motors, Pumps
2. Light Loads

Some of the major areas of conservation practices have been discussed in this chapter
below.
4. ELECTRICAL LIGHTING SYSTEM
Good lighting system is a basic need of every body. An adequate amount of lighting
system increases the productivity of labour, improves the quality of the work and
product, reduces the work stoppages and also in reduction of accidents. Out of the total
energy generated in our country 18 % is used for lighting as compared to the developed
countries as 5%. The same can be achieved by the following

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

Efficient Light Sources

Efficient use of Lamp Output
Energy effective lighting scheme
Control of lighting.
Maintenance of the lighting scheme

4.1 Light Source

Sl Lamp
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Rating

Lumen out put

/watt
25-1000
9-18
300/500/1000 17-22
20/40/80
50-80
Mercury 80/1000
44-60

Incandescent
Halogen
Fluorescent
High
pressure
Vapour ( HPMV)
High
pressure
Sodium 70-400
Vapour ( HPSV)
Low
pressure
Sodium 18-180
Vapour ( LPSV)
Compact Fluorescent Lamp 5/9/11/18/36
( CFL)

Colour rendering
Index
100
100
65-85
45

83-118

25-65

100-180

25

67-75

85

In comparison CFL (Compact fluorescent Lamp) is low consumption and high efficient
source among all.
4.2 CONTROL OF LIGHTING
The switching of lightings can be controlled by the three following ways.
i. Manual
ii. Automatic
iii. Dimming Control
4.2.1 Manual Control
Proper awareness is needed to control the lightings by manual practice. The switching of
the lightings is done as per the requirement of the source. To maintain the energy
efficiency, switching schedule can be framed to the available lightings in the system.
4.2.2 Automatic Control
For outdoor lighting like street light, Area lights in factory and offices the use of
photo-cell controlled switches are best suitable to control the system. The switches are
automatically made ON as the sun sets and darkness prevails and made OFF in the
morning as sun rises.
Clock switches are used for the control of the lightings in large dining hall of
the canteen, parking area, where the lightings are required for the specified time period.
Automatic Control through Limit switches and Relay is also another method of
controlling of the lightings. This switch can be fitted in the door of the room/hall and
becomes ON, when door is opened and becomes OFF for the closure of the door.

4.2.3 Dimming Control

Sometimes incandescent lamps may be invariable used in selective places.
Dimmer controls for these lights will save energy, if we operate the dimmers for the
minimum required illumination.
5. ELECTRICAL MOTORS
Induction motors are the most commonly used prime mover for various equipments in
industrial applications
Two important attributes relating to efficiency of electricity use by A.C. Induction
motors are efficiency () and power factor (PF)
high value for and a PF close to unity are desired for efficient overall operation in a
plant
Squirrel cage motors are normally more efficient than slip-ring motors, and higherspeed motors are normally more efficient than lower-speed motors
Efficiency is function of motor temperature. Totally-enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC)
motors are more efficient than screen-protected drip-proof (SPDP) motors
Motor efficiency increases with the rated capacity

5.1 Power Factor

As the load on the motor is reduced, the magnitude of the active current reduces.
However, there is not a corresponding reduction in the magnetizing current, with the
result that the motor power factor reduces, or gets worse, with a reduction in applied
5.2 Motor Losses
Range of losses in Induction motors
Range

Energy Loss at Full

Load (%)

1 10 HP
10 50 HP
50 200 HP
200 1500 HP
1500 HP & above

14.0 35
9.0 15
6.0 12
4.0 7.0
2.3 4.0

The % losses indicated are for 3000 rpm motors, and 1500 rpm motors in brackets.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Core Loss : approx 18% (22%) of total loss at full load

Stator and Rotor Resistance I2R Loss: approx 42% (56%) of total loss at full Load
Friction and Windage Loss approx 30% (11%) of total loss at full load
Stray Load Loss: approx 10 %( 11%) of total loss at full load

5.3 ENERGY EFFICIENT MOTORS

Improvements include the use of lower-loss silicon steel, a longer core (to increase
active material), thicker wires (to reduce resistance), thinner laminations, smaller
air gap between stator and rotor, copper instead of aluminum bars in the rotor,
superior bearings and a smaller fan, etc
lower operating temperatures and noise levels, greater ability to accelerate higherinertia loads, and are less affected by supply voltage fluctuations
5.3.1 Stator and Rotor I2R Losses
suitable selection of copper conductor size
decreasing the magnetizing component of current by lowering the operating flux
density and possible shortening of air gap
Rotor I2R losses depends on rotor conductors and the rotor slip
Starting performance tend to limit the amount by which rotor I2R losses can be
reduced to favor efficiency (as starting torque is proportional to rotor resistance)
operation closer to synchronous speed reduce rotor I2R losses
5.3.2 Core Losses
Due to hysterisis effect and eddy current
Hysterisis losses reduced by reducing flux density
reduced by utilizing low-loss grade of silicon steel laminations and by suitable
increase in the core length of stator and rotor
Eddy current losses generated by circulating current within the core steel laminations
reduced by using thinner laminations
Friction and Windage Losses
results from bearing friction, windage and circulating air through the motor
(independent of load )
use of smaller fan
Stray Load-Losses
caused by leakage flux induced by load currents in the laminations (imperfections
related to slotting and saturation effects results in high freq. Currents in rotor bars)
reduced by careful selection of slot numbers, tooth/slot geometry and air gap
the costs of energy-efficient motors are higher than those of standard motors
economically ill-suited cases to energy-efficient motors
highly intermittent duty or special torque applications such as hoists and cranes,
traction drives, punch presses, machine tools, and centrifuges
energy, efficient designs of multi-speed motors are generally not available

 energy-efficient motors not available for many special applications, e.g. for flameproof operation in oil-field or fire pumps or for very low speed applications (below
750 rpm)
most energy-efficient motors produced today are designed only for continuous duty
cycle operation
5.3.3 Technical aspects of Energy Efficient Motors
Energy-efficient motors last longer, and may require less maintenance. At lower
temperatures, bearing grease lasts longer; required time between re-greasing
increases. Lower temperatures translate to long lasting insulation. Generally, motor
life doubles for each 10C reduction in operating temperature.
Electrical power problems, especially poor incoming power quality can affect the
operation of energy-efficient motors.
Speed control is crucial in some applications. In poly-phase induction motors, slip is
a measure of motor winding losses. The lower the slip, the higher the efficiency. Less
slippage in energy efficient motors results in speeds about 1% faster than in standard
counterparts.
Starting torque for efficient motors may be lower than for standard motors. Facility
managers should be careful when applying efficient motors to high torque
applications.
5.3.4 Reference standards
The following standards are widely used for efficiency testing of motors at
manufacturers test facilities and laboratories
IEC 600 34-2: 1996 Rotating electrical machines- Part-2
IEC 600 34-2: Proposed draft document dated August 2003
IEEE Standard 112-1996: IEEE Test procedure for poly phase induction motors and
generators
IS 4889: 1968 (reaffirmed 1996): Methods of determination of efficiency of rotating
electrical machines
IS 4029: 1967 (Fifth Reprint 1984): Guide for testing Three phase induction motors
IS 325: 1996: Three Phase induction motors- Specification
5.3.5 Optimize Transmission Efficiency
Transmission equipment including shafts, belts, chains, and gears should be
properly installed and maintained. When possible, use flat belts in place of V-belts.
Helical gears are more efficient than worm gears; use worm gears only with motors under
10 hp. As far as possible it is better to have a direct drive thus avoiding losses in
transmission system.

5.3.6 Soft Starter

Soft starter provides a reliable and economical solution to starting problems by
delivering a controlled release of power to the motor, thereby providing smooth, step less
acceleration and deceleration. Motor life will be extended as damage to windings and
bearings is reduced.
5.3.6.1 Advantages of Soft Start

Less mechanical stress

Improved power factor
Lower maximum demand
Less mechanical maintenance

5.3.7 Speed Control of Motors

Traditionally, DC motors are used for variable speed applications

wide range of output speeds can be obtained

restricted to a few low speed, low-to-medium power applications like machine tools
and rolling mills because of problems with mechanical commutation at large sizes
restricted for use only in clean, non-hazardous areas because of the risk of sparking
at the brushes
DC motors are also expensive relative to AC motors

Both AC synchronous and induction motors are suitable for variable speed control
Induction motors are more popular, because of their ruggedness and lower
maintenance requirements, they are inexpensive (half or less of the cost of a DC
motor) and also provide a high power to weight ratio (about twice that of a DC motor)
5.3.7.1 Motor Speed Control Systems
Multi-speed motors
Motors can be wound such that two speeds, in the ratio of 2:1, can be obtained
Motors can also be wound with two separate windings, each giving 2 operating
speeds, for a total of four speeds

 Limited speed control (two or four fixed speeds instead of continuously variable
speed)
Lower efficiency than single-speed motors

Adjustable Frequency AC Drives

Commonly called inverters
Designed to operate standard induction motors
Converts the 50 Hz incoming power to a variable frequency and variable voltage.
The variable frequency is the actual requirement, which will control the motor speed
Three major types of inverters
Current Source Inverters (CSI), Voltage Source Inverters (VSI), and Pulse Width
Modulated Inverters (PWM)

Direct Current Drives (DC)

Consists of a DC motor and a controller
Speed of the motor is directly proportional to the applied voltage
Controller is a phase controlled bridge rectifier with logic circuits to control the DC
voltage delivered to the motor armature

Wound Rotor AC Motor Drives (Slip Ring Induction Motors)

Controller places variable resistors in series with the rotor windings
Torque performance of motor controlled by using these variable resistors
Wound rotor motors are most common in the range of 300 hp and above ratings

5.3.8 Type of loads

The characteristics of the load are particularly important
Load refers essentially to the torque output and corresponding speed required
Constant torque loads - the output power requirement may vary with the speed of
operation but the torque does not vary
Conveyors, rotary kilns, and constant-displacement pumps
Variable torque loads - the torque required varies with the speed of operation
Centrifugal pumps and fans (torque varies as the square of the speed)
Constant power loads - the torque requirements typically change inversely with
speed
5.3.9 Application of Variable speed drives
Loads ideal for VSD application: Variable Torque (centrifugal pumps, fans etc.)
These loads, torque increase with square of the speed and are usually associated with
centrifugal fan and pump loads, where, in theory, the horsepower requirement varies as
the cube of the speed change. These applications usually have the greatest opportunities
for energy savings as well as improved control. Loads requiring careful VSD application:
Constant Torque loads (Positive displacement air compressors, conveyors, crushers etc)
Constant-torque loads require the same torque regardless of speed. Although
constant-torque loads are suitable for VSDs, operation of these loads at low rpm will be

limited, and the VSD must be carefully sized to ensure adequate starting torque. Power is
proportional to speed
5.3.9.1 Loads difficult for VSD application: Constant power loads (Machine Tools)
In this group, the load torque decreases with increasing speed, such as lathes,
winders, un-winders, and metal-cutting tools. There is rarely scope for energy saving
from speed reduction in constant power loads.
6. ENERGY SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES

Cold Insulation
Building Envelop
Building Heat Loads
Process Heat Loads Minimization

Flow optimization and Heat transfer area increase to accept higher temperature
coolant
Avoiding wastages like heat gains, loss of chilled water, idle flows
Frequent cleaning / de-scaling of all heat exchangers
6.1 Energy savings in lighting System
Maximize sunlight use through use of transparent roof sheets, north light roof, etc
Replacements of lamps by more energy efficient lamps, with due consideration to
luminiare, color rendering index, lux level as well as expected life comparison
Replace conventional magnetic ballasts by more energy efficient ballasts, with due
consideration to life and power factor apart from watt loss
Select interior colors for light reflection
Modify layout for optimum lighting
Providing individual / group controls for lighting for energy efficiency such as
On / off type voltage regulation type (for illuminance control)
Group control switches / units
Occupancy sensors
Photocell controls
Timer operated controls
Pager operated controls
Computerized lighting control programs
Install input voltage regulators / controllers for energy efficiency as well as longer life
expectancy for lamps where higher voltages, fluctuations are expected
Replace energy efficient displays like LEDs in place of lamp type displays in control
panels / instrumentation areas, etc

6.2 Energy conservation in fans

Match fan capacity to demand

Avoid unnecessary demand
Reduce pressure drops
Drive system
Replace with energy efficient fans
Regular preventive maintenance

6.3 Energy Conservation in Pumping Systems

Operate pumps near best efficiency point.
Modify pumping system and pumps losses to minimize throttling.
Adapt to wide load variation with variable speed drives or sequenced control of
multiple units.
Use booster pumps for small loads requiring higher pressures.
Avoid cooling water re-circulation in DG sets, air compressors, refrigeration systems,
cooling towers feed water pumps, condenser pumps and process pumps.
7. ENERGY AUDIT
Systematic study of energy utilization in an organization to effect saving
Audit: a methodical examination & review
7.1 Energy Audit Steps

Find how & where energy used or converted

Identify Energy Saving Opportunities (ESO)
Economic/technical practicability of ESO
Estimate cost & profitability potential for implementing ESO
Establish continuous monitoring for major energy using systems

7.2 Elements Of EA
Historical review of energy records- base line
Walk through of plant- identify energy using components, energy flow, wastes
Detail definition of required data
Enumeration of ESO
Estimate saving potential of each ESO
7.3 Enumerating ESO
Identify most significant source of energy loss
Prepare checklist of conservation ideas for plant/process/ application
Update checklist from lit., manuf, for diff. Situation

7.4 Evaluation Of ESO

Review each ESO-Quantity of saving potential
Use most attractive choice for detailed evaluation
Cite energy saving and economic factors separately
System Problem

Common Causes

Possible Effects

Solutions

Voltage imbalances
among the three
phases

Improper transformer taps

settings,
single-phase loads not balanced
among phases, poor
connections, bad conductors,

Motor vibration, premature

motor failure
A 5% imbalance causes a
40% increase in motor
losses

Balance loads
among phases.

Voltage deviations
from rated voltages
( too low or high)

Improper transformer
settings,
Incorrect selection of motors.

Over-voltages in motors
reduce efficiency, power
factor and equipment life
Increased temperature

Correct transformer
settings, motor
ratings and motor
input voltages

Poor connections in
distribution or at
connected loads.

Loose bus bar connections,

loose cable connections,
corroded connections, poor
crimps, loose or worn contactors

Produces heat, causes

failure at connection site,
leads to voltage drops
and voltage imbalances

Use Infra Red

camera to locate hotspots and correct.

Undersized
conductors.

Facilities expanding beyond

original designs, poor power
factors

Voltage drop and energy

waste.

Reduce the load by

conservation load
scheduling.

Insulation leakage

Degradation over time due to

extreme temperatures,
abrasion, moisture, chemicals

May leak to ground or to

another phase. Variable
energy waste.

Replace conductors,
insulators

Low Power Factor

Inductive loads such as motors,

transformers, and lighting ballasts
Non-linear loads, such as most
electronic loads.

Reduces current-carrying
capacity of wiring, voltage
regulation effectiveness, and
equipment life.

Add capacitors to
counteract reactive
loads.

Harmonics (nonsinusoidal voltage

and/or current wave
forms)

Office-electronics, UPSs, variable

frequency drives, high intensity
discharge lighting, and electronic
and core-coil ballasts.

Over-heating of neutral
conductors, motors,
transformers, switch gear.
Voltage drop, low power
factors, reduced capacity.

Take care with

equipment selection
and isolate sensitive
electronics from noisy
circuits.

8. Conclusion: - Conservation of Energy has become the essential factor for the next
up-coming generation and the Government should interfere and intervene to adopt the
conservation act seriously to the entire power utility group and the power consumers.
Energy Conservation Act should be acted by the Government of India to set up a
Nodal Energy Conservation Organization for co-ordination of energy conservation
activities and for regulation of design, consumption pattern in power intensive industries.
The large consumers should be motivated to save energy and Audit to be made
compulsory for these industries. Mobile units are to be established by the Government to
undertake Energy audit of medium and small scale industries