Ethos Energy Management System Targets Plant Efficiency
Star Data Analytics (SDA) promotes its Ethos Energy Management system, which aims to deliver energy savings in refrigeration and heating applications. Ethos uses artificial intelligence to optimise the performance of refrigeration and heating equipment, identifying inefficiencies and aiming to reduce electricity consumption. This system for controls analyses real-time plant operations against an AI-generated model of theoretical performance.
The company claims that Ethos can lead to savings of 10% to 30% in annual operational costs, according to evidence from over 50 live installations. The system provides real-time monitoring to track refrigeration system performance against optimal design expectations. It also offers inefficiency detection to reveal hidden energy-saving opportunities, along with tailored recommendations for corrective actions – from quick fixes like repairing malfunctioning components and adjusting control setpoints, to more substantial component overhauls and control upgrades. Ethos also focuses on reducing carbon footprint.
The system’s web portal provides access for both SDA consultants and the customer to view live and historical data. Email alerts can be set up for when sensor parameters go outside limits, and sensor data can be downloaded in the industry standard csv format for analysis. SDA interprets this data using refrigerant properties and equipment datasheets, providing reports to highlight which parts of the plant are working efficiently and which could be improved. The reports include a red, amber, green list and show the load profile and spare capacity of the equipment.
Key reported features include a dashboard, live data, intuitive interface, mobile readiness, spending tracking, equipment alerts, insights, capacity determination, and 4G mobile connection as a standalone device. Benefits include the identification of energy-saving opportunities, ease of installation (including retrofitting), system health checks, ease of use, monitoring on the go, and expert analysis. The system also provides data for ESOS audits and demonstrates the benefits of investment.
Case studies include:
- Tesco: Achieved an average 10% energy saving across eight distribution centres.
- Asda: Saved energy costs using Ethos software across six sites.
According to Star Refrigeration, Ethos is easy to install and can be retrofitted to existing systems.
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