Energy saving in Uganda industries: Case study - Uganda Baati Ltd

Abstract

The Project presents energy saving in Uganda industries case study being Uganda Baati Ltd, the main objective was to identify and reduce power losses and wastages in the industry. This was achieved through the collection and analysis of energy consumption (bills) data from the plant, on-site measurements of the electrical load inventory of which are motors using a data logger( power quality analyzer PQAB24) , analyzing the data to find the energy gaps and a cost evaluation for the solutions provided. The findings from the audit were, the industry was running on low power factor due to poor servicing of capacitor banks or no capacitor banks at some large motors, the average percentage motor loading of most motors was way below the required 50 % for optimum running of such systems, only one motor operating under a variable frequency drive, identified an oversized motor, generally most of the motors in the industry were running under low capacity utilization for longer periods of time. Identified inefficient technology of some equipment and lighting system. Recommendations include power factor correction by installation and regular servicing of capacitor banks, demand control limiting, upgrade to high efficiency premium NEMA motors, upgrade to LED lights, proper motor sizing ,VFD installation and machine scheduling which includes operating machines for shorter periods of time at optimum high capacity, in conclusion there is great energy saving potential in Uganda Baati with shorter pay back periods of less than 3 years from the solutions identified coupled with an investment cost of 86 ,828,000 that result to savings of 98,736,000 per annum thus reduction of the energy bill when the solutions provided implemented by company .