Abstract
Global energy consumption is constantly growing and ways to meet both present and future demands are needed. Increasing energy efficiency is often less expensive compared to developing new energy production plants. Industry plays an important role in this, since it represents a significant part of the total energy consumption, and many processes are less efficient than they could be. There are at least 100 000 refrigeration plants in Norway (household refrigerators and freezers excluded) which consume at least 6 TWh per year. In the food industry, refrigeration is used for cooling, freezing and drying.
The opportunities for increasing energy efficiency in the fish processing industry are many. Refrigeration systems are the main electrical consumer, and are used for chilling, ice production, cold storage and freezing of food. Possible improvements include better dimensioning of the system (currently, the design cooling load is often higher than normal operating cooling load), better system regulation of the components, and more uniform use of energy over a 24-hour period. Energy savings can also be had by integrating refrigeration systems with heating systems.
The barriers for making a system more energy efficient relate to economy and uncertainty. Extra capital costs could delay or prevent the installation of new equipment, such as a variable speed drive or a better control system. In addition, the amount of savings from different investments or the length of the payback time may be uncertain. Delaying or stopping production during a hectic season is also not desirable. The industry needs clear guidelines about which changes can be made and how much can be gained. Policymakers also need to be aware of the need for change and the resulting gains, so that appropriate laws can be made or enforced. Research in this field can illuminate the relationship between operational alternatives and associated benefits.
The opportunities for increasing energy efficiency in the fish processing industry are many. Refrigeration systems are the main electrical consumer, and are used for chilling, ice production, cold storage and freezing of food. Possible improvements include better dimensioning of the system (currently, the design cooling load is often higher than normal operating cooling load), better system regulation of the components, and more uniform use of energy over a 24-hour period. Energy savings can also be had by integrating refrigeration systems with heating systems.
The barriers for making a system more energy efficient relate to economy and uncertainty. Extra capital costs could delay or prevent the installation of new equipment, such as a variable speed drive or a better control system. In addition, the amount of savings from different investments or the length of the payback time may be uncertain. Delaying or stopping production during a hectic season is also not desirable. The industry needs clear guidelines about which changes can be made and how much can be gained. Policymakers also need to be aware of the need for change and the resulting gains, so that appropriate laws can be made or enforced. Research in this field can illuminate the relationship between operational alternatives and associated benefits.
