Power Systems For Manufacturers – The New Era
In manufacturing, power costs, however you manage them, are a big issue. So are the efficiency of the power systems, safety certifications, repair, and maintenance. The good news for manufacturers is that modern power systems are very cost-friendly, in more ways than one.
Primary issues for manufacturing power systems
There are several issues related to manufacturing power systems which dictate the cost effectiveness of these systems:
Design
Power system design in its modern form is essentially a form of “production design”. Like production design, power system design for manufacturing systems is based very much on a combination of efficiencies, including:
- Capacity – Manufacturing power system load capacity is one of the primary drivers of commercial capabilities and cost. An underpowered system will not deliver. Best practice power system design for capacity is to ensure that the system actually delivers more power, over and above typical demand needs.
- Power system efficiency – Power system efficiency is defined by the ability to manage power systems on a cost-effective basis, relative to production and business and commercial uses. Better design, in fact, means better cost efficiency.
- Safety – The safety elements in power system design are specifically included in all facets of the entire power system. This includes external supply connections, internal panel board connections, and individual distribution systems. Safety is a primary issue, also protecting manufacturing businesses from fires, electrocution, property damage, and major safety and other legal liabilities.
- Customization – Power system customization is often necessary for specialized manufacturing purposes. This isn’t necessarily just a matter of getting the power to the point of operation; it’s also a case of ensuring that the power supply dedicated to the task is adequate, and properly wired and connected.
- Backup systems – Good power system design includes built-in backup systems. This isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. All power systems may need to be taken off-line, either in part or totally, for various reasons including repairs, maintenance, and safety issues. The backup systems takeover, eliminating downtime, and ensuring productivity.
What about cost?
Thanks to new technologies, CAD design, and a vast range of new, much more energy efficient systems and equipment, modern power system design is now fully geared to be budget-friendly. Big systems, obviously, cost big money, but the value of the dollars, relative to the value of designs, has drastically improved.
Also much improved are the power systems themselves. Modern power systems are very much standardised, enabling a better, cheaper cost base even a component level. At all levels of system design, higher levels of functionality also minimize cost, even with the necessary safety and multiple-redundancy systems.
Interestingly, the new values of power system design seem to be very much in lock step with the cost needs of manufacturers. In China, for example, production cost could be described as an art form, as much as a business consideration. Chinese manufacturing is wholly efficient, and works on clear margins, within the full scope of the manufacturing process. That’s how accurate costing can be; even using robotic manufacturing and related high-test power systems.
To find out the latest and most reliable information regarding power systems for manufacturing purposes, talk to a power systems specialist consultant. Tell your consultants what you want, and that’s exactly what you’ll get, including specialized customisation.
