The aim of this book is to give the readers an overview on how load management can be best implemented by industrial electricity users, where necessary with the help of the consultancy services and expertise provided by the electricity utility.
Large industries usually have sufficient expertise on load management in-house. Small and medium size companies often lack the necessary technical skills and information. For this reason, the content of this brochure is specially focused on typical applications in the small and medium sectors of industry. However, the brochure will also be of interest to utility marketing and distribution personnel, energy consultants and process and equipment manufacturers.
Given the primary target, there is a general concern about keeping the content as simple as possible, thus avoiding too many technical details. However, some advanced load management systems, tariffs and services are dealt with.
The e-book is divided into eight parts.
The first chapter deals with the special features of electricity and describes some basic concepts of Electric Load Management.
In Chapter 2, the main factors influencing the cost of the electrical energy are explained.
Chapter 3 points out the importance of load management for the efficient use of the electrical generation, transmission and distribution system. The impact of load management on the electricity system and the advantages that can result for the customer are also discussed.
The interaction between the customer and the utility is stressed in Chapter 4, in a marketing approach.
Chapter 5 explains how the different industrial processes affect the load in the electrical network. It also explains what organisational and technical measures can be undertaken to control the load. Some examples of load management in selected industries are also presented.
Chapter 6 deals with case studies, a collection of actual examples of implementation of load management techniques at several industrial facilities across the countries represented in the working group. Each example is explained in terms of cost, benefits, implementation and reaction of those concerned.
The e-book ends with conclusions and with appendices containing details of the rate structures in the countries involved, and other points related to load management.
In writing this brochure, the authors have intentionally focused on the general conditions that make electric load management a viable practice in industrial facilities. Less time is devoted to specific equipment, devices and installations, that may become obsolete in time and may not be readily available everywhere. Up-to-date information of this nature can usually be obtained from local manufacturers, producers and distributors.
First published in 1996 and digitised in January 2009.