Date:08/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/08/stories/2008010852020300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Helping industries save lakhs through energy audits

Karthik Madhavan

It is done by Industry-Institute Partnership Cell of Kongu Engineering College

It has carried out consultations and training programmes for industries

The cell has 20 members drawn from various engineering disciplines

PERUNDURAI: Neyveli Lignite Corporation faced problems in successfully operating its alternator, the shaft which was subjected to repeated torsion (an electrical phenomenon).

The problem forced the power generator from supplying quality power. In Karur, Modern Cotton Yarn Spinners Private Limited was spending Rs. 27.23 lakh on power, which it could have otherwise saved by adopting efficient power use. Then there was Dharmapuri Paper Mills, which again, spent an additional Rs. 7.13 lakh by way of unhealthy power consumption. There are nearly 90 such examples in Tamil Nadu, all of which were attended to, thanks to the energy audit team of the Kongu Engineering College. The team is a part of the college’s Industry-Institute Partnership Cell.

The cell, says its head Prof. A. S. Kandasamy, since inception in May 2002 has done consultations and training programmes for a number of industries, small and big, helping save lakhs of rupees. The cell with 20 members drawn from various engineering disciplines are faculty at the college with considerable industry experience.

Equipment

In addition to the manpower, the cell has equipment worth over Rs. 40 lakh for providing consultations, says the former chief engineer of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board. He says the cell has even done a consultancy for the Board. In appreciation of the cell’s work the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission has suggested to the Board to avail its services.

The same is true of the Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills’ Association, which has asked its members to consult the cell, which is the only approved institution in the State to carry out energy audits. In fact, as per a State Government order of May 10, 1996, energy auditing of industries is mandatory. However, it has not been effectively implemented.

Mr. Kandasamy says best energy use practice has to do with not just with industries but also houses. He suggests switching over to light emitting diodes (LED) lamps, using solar water heaters, besides taking other conservation measures.