Keeping It Green
Hansatech has always been an advocate of keeping ahead of environmental policy changes and has pushed the thinking further by investing in energy efficiency projects. Over the last 18 months Hansatech has reduced its energy consumption by 26% as a result of these projects.
The first task was to replace the aging compressor units. The two large constant speed units were replaced by three smaller units, one of these being a highly efficient variable speed control system. These units kept power consumption down by only switching on when the factory loading demanded it. The third unit provided a backup for maintenance and any breakdowns.
Next Hansatech tackled the factory heating. The large open factory space was heated by six large gas heaters suspended from the roof space. These were replaced with super-efficient gas space heaters over a period of weeks. The position of the heaters was also optimised for most effective air flow across the most populated areas. De-stratification fans were installed in the roof to force hot air collected in the roof space back into factory for a more efficient use of the energy and heat consumed.
The lighting in the factory was a critical area for the project team. Not only does it account for a large proportion of the energy consumption but a properly illuminated working environment is essential. The balance between the correct light levels and the reduced energy bulb was tricky. In the end the existing bulbs and fittings were changed for energy efficient T-5 tube with advanced reflector shields in the fixture. The “white” light given off created a far better working environment while significantly reducing the energy consumption. On completion of the installation the final part of the project removed all low level bench lighting not only further reducing the energy consumption by greatly improving the work station aesthetics.
The management and measurement of energy consumption became a concern and to help Hansatech turned to the ENER-G building management system. This allowed the team to manage localised energy consumption through the system of remote temperature sensors and switch controls timers. The software provides further data to the technical team that will help them prioritise the next phase of the energy reduction programme.
Hansatech also maintain the ISO14001 certification for the site in Poole. The company undertook a recent audit and attracted this comment from the audit team;
“This audit was a strategic review of the last three years and a recertification audit. The auditor noted that the culture of the company has improved markedly over the past three years. There has been a distinct effort to improve processes and equipment, and to seek maximum flexibility and effectiveness from operators. The reports over the past three years endorsed the good progress of the company to continue to use its environmental system and credentials to the best of its ability.”
Hansatech remains committed to exceeding the legislative requirements designed to protect the environment.
Low Energy Lighting Installation
It can clearly be seen the effect of the new lighting half way through the installation
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