Winery energy saving. How much money will you save with a properly configured air compressor system?
Taylors case study
Taylors Wines in Clare Valley, North of Adelaide, has been producing a variety of red, white and sparkling wines since 1969. The site consumes just under 1,700,000kWh of energy per year, and Taylors wanted to know how they could create winery energy saving and reduce their environmental footprint.
Taylors were also motivated by the desire to be known as “Australia’s best wine company applying best practice principles in environmental management to enhance sustainable business activities and products“, and requested an audit of their air compressors.
While there wasn’t much room for improvement in the wine press, there was a significant improvement opportunity that presented itself in the bottling plant. In the bottling plant, two 15kW air compressors were running loaded for 57% of the time. By replacing these two units with a single 25kW air compressor with variable speed controls, Taylors were able to save an estimated 30% in energy use.
As compressed air experts, we understand how to assess your winery compressed air needs with your output and operational goals in mind. We frequently conduct energy audits to identify:
- Incorrect compressor selection
- Air leaks and pressure drops
- Inappropriate usage
- Poor reticulation design
- Inadequate ventilation
- System pressure settings
Poor maintenance also usually leads to loss in energy efficiency, increasing your energy bill and risk of break-down, business down-time and loss of product. Contact us today about an energy assessment and start saving money!
This study was reported by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Government of South Australia and South Australian Wine Industry Association Incorporated.
Some more energy-saving tips for wineries
Both operational and new winery businesses can reduce energy in their most common systems, which include:
- Chilling and refrigeration
- Lighting
- Water heating
- Plant and equipment
- Air compressors
Ensure that your chillers are regularly maintained. Check for ice build-up and damage, ensuring that delivery lines and external coils are kept clean. A refrigeration engineer may help you achieve energy efficient systems. Insulate wine tanks and install variable speed controls. Efficient insulation will help prevent any condensation, ice build-up, minimising the overall cooling load.
Your staff may also be educated about energy efficiency and implementation of any strategic plans. Cellar fridges and any water fountains should also be turned off after hours.
Motion sensors will help reduce lighting energy use, and areas designed to allow for natural lighting will reduce the need for light installation. Check you light bulbs and ensure they are energy efficient.
Ensure that when not in use, equipment is switched off. Variable speed controls may be used to manage power output. Motors that are regularly serviced and put on energy saving modes will help reduce energy use and increase efficiency.
Consider solar heating for water heating devices where possible, and refrain from installing over-sized services or tanks with poor energy ratings. Insulate hot water lines to minimise heat loss, and use any waste heat from chiller or refrigeration systems to re-heat hot water. Timers will also help eliminate energy costs for after-hours.
