Sustainability Magazine February 2023 | Page 13

This enables operators to take actions that will optimise energy use , thereby improving energy efficiency . Since these systems are digitally connected , energy improvement measures can be implemented remotely , reducing the need for costly on-site labour .
For example , the CAFC water company in Italy serves 122 municipalities over a vast territory , with 250 employees performing periodic checks and maintenance interventions when failures occur . To reduce the number of maintenance staff and optimise their activities , the utility introduced the ABB Ability™ Condition Monitoring digital solution for powertrains .
Enabled by smart connectivity technology , the condition monitoring service allows CAFC to perform predictive or " condition-based ” maintenance . This means it can perform maintenance based on the actual condition rather than on a set time schedule , intervening only when necessary .
With the help of data insights , informed decision-making , and expert support , the utility was able to lower energy consumption and maintenance costs . Today , CAFC performs once-a-year maintenance on all the motors and pumps in the aqueducts , involving just an electrician and a mechanic .
The latter will continue performing tasks that need to be done on-site , such as lubrication . However , the electrician ’ s physical presence is likely not necessary since ABB ’ s digital technologies allow for the remote monitoring of the parameters .
New , flexible business models also pave the way for continuous energy
optimisation services . A trusted partner such as ABB can share the responsibility for gradually improving electrical motordriven equipment ’ s energy efficiency while maximising customers ’ asset value .
Energy efficiency is the future While energy efficiency improvements may seem like a more expensive upfront investment , payback is typically within a few years . In fact , with today ’ s energy prices , payback time can be as short as a few months . Besides , energy efficiency will continue to pay dividends well beyond this period as a result of additional cost savings , performance benefits , and sustainability . This makes decarbonisation economically viable throughout the value chain while providing a feasible path to net zero .
ABB is dedicated to raising awareness of how efficiency can contribute to achieving Net Zero , which is why we launched the Energy Efficiency Movement in 2021 as a global forum . We regard this as crucial , prompting us to invite all industrial businesses – even our competitors – to join .
As well as inspiring others , a key aim is to gather hard evidence in the form of case studies that demonstrate the potential for reducing carbon emissions and cutting business costs .
Since its launch in 2021 , the Energy Efficiency Movement has received a positive reaction from throughout industry , with around 300 companies already signed up . Among them are industry leaders such as Microsoft , Alfa Laval , DHL Group and Wärtsilä .
Find out more about the Energy Efficiency Movement here :
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