Analysis of the feasibility of automatic electrical energy management at Capital Star Steel, SA

Abstract

The main focus is to automatically manage or control loads that consume electrical energy with the aim of reducing losses, especially in non-production stages. To this end, the following research was carried out: analysis of the feasibility of automatic electrical energy management at Capital Star Steel, SA with the use of supervision and control systems. As a way of automating process control, the use of programmable logic controllers was proposed, where the entire industrial process can be programmed and consequently the periods of inoperability of certain equipment can be predicted with the aim of removing them from the electricity grid. The case study was carried out at Capital Star Steel, a company based in Beleluane whose function is the production of steel tubes. Environmentally, it can be said that with the introduction of automatic control of industrial processes and consequently environmental management, on the factory floor it will be possible to significantly reduce heat emission, as well as reducing the noise caused by machines in operation. According to data provided by the company, the average daily consumption of electricity is 1005.8 kWh. Which in monetary terms constitutes a total of 4,807.724 MT (four million, eight hundred and seven meticais and seven hundred and twenty-four cents). With the introduction of the energy management system proposed by the author, the average energy consumption per day is 734.23 kWh, which represents a reduction of 27% when compared to current consumption. Therefore, it was concluded that automated electrical energy management has a great impact on the company's economy.