Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving energy landscape, energy efficiency has transitioned from a desirable goal to an indispensable imperative for both utility providers and industrial operations. Facing escalating energy costs, stringent environmental regulations, and the global push for decarbonization, optimizing energy consumption is no longer just about cost savings; it's a strategic pathway to enhanced competitiveness, reduced carbon footprints, and improved operational resilience. For utilities, efficiency reduces the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades and lessens peak demand, while for industrial systems, it directly impacts profitability, product quality, and sustainability metrics. Implementing effective energy efficiency strategies requires a comprehensive understanding of energy auditing, system optimization, advanced technologies, and a deep dive into specific electrical and thermal loads within these complex environments. Without a proactive approach to Energy Efficiency in Utility and Industrial Systems, organizations risk significant financial drain, non-compliance with environmental mandates, and a missed opportunity to foster a more sustainable and economically robust operational framework, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this crucial domain. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Energy Efficiency in Utility and Industrial Systems.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower utility engineers, industrial plant managers, energy auditors, process engineers, electrical engineers, operations supervisors, and sustainability professionals with the theoretical understanding and practical insights necessary to effectively identify, evaluate, and implement Energy Efficiency measures in Utility and Industrial Systems. Participants will gain hands-on experience in conducting energy audits, analyzing energy consumption patterns, applying various energy-saving technologies (e.g., motor optimization, efficient lighting, waste heat recovery), and developing robust measurement and verification (M&V) plans. The course will delve into topics such as power factor correction, variable speed drives, smart metering applications, steam system optimization, compressed air system efficiency, and the development of tailored energy management programs. By mastering the principles and practical application of Energy Efficiency in Utility and Industrial Systems, participants will be prepared to drive substantial energy cost reductions, achieve significant emission reductions, enhance operational performance, and contribute significantly to their organizations' financial and environmental sustainability goals.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Utility Engineers (Distribution, Energy Management)
• Industrial Plant Managers and Operations Supervisors
• Energy Managers and Coordinators
• Process Engineers (Manufacturing)
• Electrical Engineers (Industrial & Utility)
• Energy Auditors and Consultants
• Maintenance Engineers
• Sustainability and Environmental Professionals
• Facility Managers (Large Industrial/Commercial)
• Project Managers for Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles and benefits of energy efficiency in utility and industrial contexts.
• Learn to conduct comprehensive energy audits and identify energy waste.
• Acquire skills in optimizing electric motor systems for maximum efficiency.
• Comprehend techniques for improving lighting system efficiency and control.
• Explore strategies for optimizing thermal systems (boilers, steam, furnaces).
• Understand the importance of power quality and power factor correction for energy savings.
• Gain insights into developing and implementing energy management programs.
• Develop a practical understanding of measurement and verification (M&V) of energy savings.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Energy Efficiency and Auditing

• Global energy trends and the importance of energy efficiency.
• Principles of energy conservation and waste reduction.
• Types of energy audits: walk-through, detailed, investment-grade.
• Tools and instrumentation for energy auditing (power analyzers, thermal cameras).
• Setting baselines and identifying energy performance indicators (EnPIs).

Module 2: Electrical System Efficiency Optimization

• Efficient motors and variable speed drives (VSDs/VFDs) for pump and fan applications.
• Power factor correction techniques and capacitor bank sizing.
• Transformer efficiency and selection (e.g., amorphous core).
• Minimizing transmission and distribution losses in utility grids.
• Understanding load profiles and peak demand management.

Module 3: Advanced Lighting Efficiency and Controls

• LED lighting technologies and their energy-saving potential.
• Daylighting integration and harvesting strategies.
• Lighting control systems: occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, dimming, network controls.
• Task-ambient lighting design.
• Retrofit opportunities and economic analysis of lighting upgrades.

Module 4: Thermal System Efficiency - Boilers and Steam

• Boiler efficiency improvements: combustion optimization, blowdown control.
• Steam system optimization: trap management, insulation, condensate recovery.
• Waste heat recovery technologies (heat exchangers, economizers, recuperators).
• Cogeneration (CHP) and trigeneration systems.
• Industrial furnace and oven efficiency enhancements.

Module 5: Compressed Air System Efficiency

• Importance of compressed air efficiency for industrial operations.
• Identifying and fixing leaks in compressed air systems.
• Optimizing compressor selection and control strategies.
• Proper sizing of air receivers and piping.
• Heat recovery from compressed air systems.

Module 6: Energy Management Systems (EnMS) and ISO 50001

• Introduction to energy management systems (EnMS).
• Overview of ISO 50001 standard for energy management.
• Key elements: energy policy, planning, implementation, checking, review.
• Developing an energy management team and organizational structure.
• Utilizing energy monitoring software and platforms.

Module 7: Power Quality and Impact on Energy Efficiency

• Understanding power quality issues: harmonics, voltage sags, swells, transients.
• Impact of poor power quality on equipment efficiency and lifespan.
• Mitigation techniques for power quality problems.
• Role of filters, surge protective devices, and active power conditioners.
• Importance of proper grounding and bonding.

Module 8: Measurement & Verification (M&V) and Economic Analysis

• Principles of Measurement and Verification (M&V) for energy savings.
• M&V protocols (e.g., IPMVP).
• Baseline adjustment and regression analysis for M&V.
• Financial analysis of energy efficiency projects: simple payback, ROI, NPV.
• Developing a robust M&V plan for energy efficiency projects.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.