Energy conservation
Ajay Lal
World’s population is drastically increasing with the increased population, transport and standard of living. The demand of energy is increasing while available resources of energy are diminishing. The gap between the energy demand and the energy supply as well as the living standards of poor and rich is increasing day-by-day. Hence, the energy crisis has affected global and national economies. Moreover, conventional energy production plants are causing deforestation and environmental pollution resulting to global warming and climate change. The level of any country/society depends on humanity, agriculture, infrastructure, industries, health and education. All these need energy at large in different ages.
Every person and organization utilizes energy. Every end energy user has creative ability to save energy. Therefore, all end users must conserve energy. An individual can take the oath: “I am responsible to save energy for my nation and put all my efforts”.
Energy conservation means avoiding wastage of energy by adopting methods to save (conserve) energy without affecting productivity and comfort. Energy conservation does not imply avoiding essential use of energy for productivity as well as conservation.
Energy saved is the financial gain while energy wasted is financial loss. Energy saving achieved through energy efficiency and conservation also avoids capital investments in fuel, mining, transport, water and land required for power plant and thereby mitigating environment pollution. Energy efficiency initiatives and energy conservation is by itself an excellent cost- effective opportunity to bridge the gap between the demand and the supply. Saving the energy is the most important since one unit energy saved equals to two to three units of energy generation while energy wastage/theft increases tariff for genuine consumers, results in poor voltages, burnt motors, failed transformers and dried crops.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
IN VARIOUS FORMS
One can save (conserve) energy at home, in locality and at workplace by following energy tips given below:-
Energy conservation in Refrigerator
* The refrigerator should be kept at least 30 cm away from the wall.
* Clean the exchanger coil behind refrigerator.
* Do not open refrigerator door frequently.
* Do not put hot items into the refrigerator.
* Defrost the refrigerator 0n alternate day.
* Use energy efficient/star rated refrigerator.
In TV and Computers
* Switch off TV and Computers when they are not in use.
In lightings
* Use light colour paints and curtains.
* Use natural lights as much as possible.
* Use Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) instead of conventional lamp (since CFL saves 80% energy).
* Check energy efficient stickers/stars ratings on electrical appliances.
* Regularly clean the lamps and tube lights.
* Use LED lightings, which saves 95 percent energy.
* Avoid loose connections in electrical wirings.
* Use electronic tube lights and electronic chocks.
In Fan, coolers and Air-conditioners
* Use electronic regulators for fans and coolers.
* Shades on the air-conditioners and coolers reduce the energy requirement.
* Switch off air-conditioners for not using even for 10 min.
* Regular servicing of air- conditioners.
* Keeping all doors and windows closed while AC is on.
In kitchen
One must focus the attention in the kitchen for energy conservation in view of following points:
* Use smoke-free Chulha.
* Plan meal timing: A family member must eat together (harmony increases and energy conserves).
* Joint kitchen: Joint family having a common kitchen system is energy efficient system.
* Plan cooking: Before starting LPG burner, all necessary items must be collected together.
* Soak before cooking: Soaking rice/dal, etc. before the cooking conserve the energy.
* Frozen food: Frozen food should be taken out of refrigerator at least 30 minutes before its preparation.
* Use optimum water: Extra water consumes more energy so one has to use the optimum water for this purpose.
* Use pressure cooker: Pressure cooker saves nearly 30% energy, and therefore, it should be used as for as possible.
* Use ISI/Star rated LPG stoves: ISI/Star rated LPG stove saves nearly 15% of energy.
* Use small burner: Small burner saves nearly 10% of energy.
* Clean burners: Clean burners save sufficient amount of energy.
At home
* Reduce height of tube lights/CFL. Switch off all lights, fans, coolers, etc. when a user goes from the room for more than 5 minutes.
* Do not use dryer of washing machine in summer session.
* Use hangers for drying the cloth.
* Keep close watch on your electrical energy, LPG, petroleum products, and water consumption.
In locality
* Use public-conveyance, walk on foot and send children to school on foot/ bicycle as far as possible.
* Use automatic on-off timers for street lightings.
* Use sewage treatment system (recycle water).
* Use biogas/solar/ high grade energy as much as possible.
* Conserve human and animal energy.
* Cities should be grown vertically not horizontally. This helps in energy and resources conservation.
In Industries
* Keep close watch for energy saving.
* Conserves all resources (water, air, raw material)
* Optimize process parameters for energy conservation
* Organize awareness programmes for energy conservation.
* Generate energy from waste.
* Zero effluent policy for environment management.
* Motivate all personnel for energy conservation.
* Energy management and energy audit helps in energy conservation.
* Engage energy consultants to save/conserve energy.
Conclusion
Energy conservation by energy planning and management is an essential tool for sustained industrial and economic growth, growing prosperity of rural as well as urban masses and solve problem of perpetual energy crisis. Hence, every citizen of India must take oath to conserve energy along with natural resources for future generations.
(The author is PDD (EM&RE) Engineer)
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