Increased energy efficiency in manufacturing: what can be done

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5287572

Gyftopoulos, E P ^[1]; Hatsopoulos, G N; Widmer, T F

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1. Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge

There is a firm technical and economic basis for achieving the same activities at a lower energy cost by reoptimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency. The utilization of known technology for this purpose would cost about $35 billion less than if new equivalent fuel supplies are developed. Investments in known technology can realize short-term improvements in the thermodynamic efficiency of the manufacturing sector, which operates at an average 13 percent efficiency. Industrial housekeeping and conservation programs can save an average of 22 percent with acceptable capital investment. Major manufacturing inefficiencies are associated with high-grade waste heat, and inherent process inefficiencies. Incentives to pursue higher efficiency require an energy policy that focuses energy-intensive steam raising and drying processes. Initiatives require that energy prices exceed replacement costs; the rate of return on investment must be competitive, and Federal, state, and local regulations must encourage cogeneration. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 5287572
• Journal Information: Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States) Vol. 47:9; ISSN PENRB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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291000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
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32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
320304 -- Energy Conservation
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& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Waste Heat Recovery & Utilization
CAPITAL
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CO-GENERATION
COMBUSTION
COST
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
ENERGY POLICY
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FUEL CONSUMPTION
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HEAT RECOVERY
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT
MANUFACTURING
OXIDATION
POWER GENERATION
STEAM GENERATION
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
TOTAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
WASTE HEAT UTILIZATION
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION