Meaningful Energy Efficiency Performance Metrics for the Process Industries

Abstract

An effective energy performance benchmarking should include a consideration of production rate, product specifications, feedstock mix, and process type, in addition to thermodynamics and economics. Unfortunately, there is no accepted industry standard for developing Energy Efficiency (EE) performance metrics for the chemical process industries, and published literature on the subject is extremely sparse. This paper will present a comprehensive system of EPIs as applied in a complex multi-product multi-plant organization in the oil and gas industry. Four categories of EPIs are recommended: • By equipment • By process unit • By product • By business unit. It will be shown how each type of EPI fulfills a specific business objective in the organization. Successes and failures are described, and recommendations are provided. The principles and practices outlined in this paper are generally applicable, and will hopefully lead to a standard methodology for EE performance reporting.