Cost effective power management systems

Electrical power system management technology is readily available to the chemical and petroleum industry at a reasonable cost, but the value of the benefits from these systems is not well understood. While some research and survey work has been done, few comprehensive guides exist for their effective selection and implementation, and much of the potential of these management systems has not been realized. Maximum system benefits can be obtained from a power management system by employing the full spectrum of available functions and involving all of the potential users, traditional and nontraditional, in the development and implementation of the system. The successful system designer will take a systems approach, involve technical and business representatives from all functions, advocate site-wide ownership of the system, and integrate corporate direction into the energy management system vision. Commercially available power management systems have matured, and all of the functionality required for a viable and economically justified industrial system is readily available. The return on investment should be well above the hurdle for most businesses, and the available benefits will continue to grow with the twin dynamics of the continued progression of technology and the introduction of the deregulated marketplace for electrical energy. Power quality, cost, and “up time”- the “new” issues for electrical power systems-all require a robust power management system in order to be effectively addressed