A light for energy efficiency in times of high demand
With the arrival of winter, concerns about energy consumption are not limited to homes. In industries, demand is also greater, whether due to the use of heavy machinery, refrigeration systems, or even inadequate lighting. Whatever the reason, the end result is always the same: a saltier electricity bill.
Winter and industry: meeting high consumption
Even though it is a phenomenon common to all seasons of the year, the increase in electricity consumption during the winter in industries is even more accentuated. Among the reasons, heavy machinery, poorly planned cooling systems and inadequate lighting are the villains of this increase.
The industrial sector is responsible for more than 30% of total energy consumption in Brazil, according to the Energy Research Company (EPE). This significant percentage translates into high costs for companies, which are directly reflected in the prices of final products.
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To make matters worse, the tariff flag system, implemented in 2015, associates the lack of rainfall to higher energy tariffs, boosting costs. With the introduction of the “Hydric Scarcity” flag, the kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumed increases in each phase of the system.
The art of saving: smart lighting solutions
In the search for savings strategies, intelligent lighting appears as a light at the end of the tunnel. The use of lighting resources that adjust to the entrance of natural light can generate significant savings in electricity bills and contribute to a safer and more pleasant work environment.
“Caring for small expenses is essential. A small leak can sink a large ship”, comments Luiz Gustavo Borges Mandt, product specialist at Reymaster Materials Elétricos. Mandt suggests practices such as constant equipment maintenance, replacing low-performance machines with more efficient models, and optimizing the use of engines and industrial equipment.
Another solution pointed out by the specialist is intelligent lighting, which allows controlling the flow of artificial light according to the natural brightness of the environment. “It is a strategy neglected by many industries, but which can generate good savings, especially in the logistics sector”, guarantees Mandt.
Technical standards and the potential of efficient lighting
There are standards from the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT), such as NR-17 and NBR ISO 8995-1, which emphasize the importance of adequate lighting in industries. The norms aim to guarantee the comfort and safety of workers, in addition to pointing out guidelines to increase energy efficiency.
"Smart lighting solutions are not an expense, but an investment“, says Mandt. He reinforces that the use of natural light contributes to the efficiency of the lighting system and makes the work environment more pleasant.
Reymaster, for example, offers consultancy for lighting projects, which considers the levels of luminosity in the work environment and proposes solutions to improve the efficiency, safety and productivity of the industry. With these measures, it is possible to reduce errors and failures, save time and energy, in addition to promoting a more efficient and comfortable work environment.