Introduction to Renewable Energy in Manufacturing

Long gone are the days manufacturers used unsustainable energy sources. While most of them still do, the world is shifting to more renewable energy which helps save costs and champions a cleaner world. So, what is renewable energy?

Renewable energy refers to sources of energy that can be naturally replenished at a faster rate compared to the rate at which they are consumed. The world is full of different types of renewable energy sources which cannot be depleted. This is unlike other non-renewable types of energy, such as fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form and release dangerous emissions when burned.

In manufacturing, renewable energy is significant as it can be applied to overcome climate change. In this article, we will explore more about renewable energy in manufacturing. Read on to learn how to use the available renewable sources of energy to foster sustainable production!

Common Types of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources involve the use of clean and sustainable materials in manufacturing, this is good for the environment. Some of the common types of renewable energy include:

• Solar Energy
• Wind Energy
• Geothermal Energy
• Hydropower
• Ocean Energy
• Bioenergy

1. Solar Energy

Solar energy is the best of the renewable energy sources and is known to be abundant universally. Photovoltaic cells are used on solar panels to turn the sunlight into electricity. 

With regards to manufacturing, solar energy is used in heating, cooling purposes and also in production lines. These include the use of solar panels on the rooftop to generate electricity for use in factories without resorting to the grid. 

2. Wind Energy

Wind energy utilizes the kinetic energy of wind through wind turbines. The wind causes the blades of the turbine to rotate, turning a generator that will convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy. Regions with steady wind conditions can be suitable for onshore or offshore wind farms for the manufacturing plants. 

With wind energy systems it is possible to harmonize it with manufacturing, particularly assisting energy demanding processes. Wind energy has the potential of expansion and versatility for manufacturers in the lookout for renewable energy solutions.

3. Hydropower

Reservoir or run-of-river types of hydro power plants harness the kinetic force of water to turn turbines, and hence generate electricity. In manufacturing, this source of energy is very reliable. 

Hydropower plants can produce a lot of electricity; thus, ensures steady electric power to support the production processes. Manufacturing facilities which are sited near rivers can exploit local water sources for energy. 

4. Biomass Energy

Biomass energy is a type of renewable energy derived from organic substances like agricultural residues and wood as well as other biomolecules. This form of energy is used in manufacturing plants in achieving sustainable manufacturing objectives. 

It offers the opportunity to replace non-renewable types of fuel through the use of organic waste. Additionally, it is a renewable source of power that offers low emission intensity in the provision of power for industrial processes.

5. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal power involves harnessing heat from within the surface of the earth to create power. Normally, geothermal plants use steam or hot water from beneath the surface to generate electricity. 

In industrial applications, geothermal energy is a reliable and low carbon intensity energy. Manufacturing firms that are in geothermal regions can directly use this heat or electricity. Geothermal energy is also suitable in heating and cooling, thus cutting costs of energy and the negative effects in the production process. 

Implementing Renewable Energy in Mold Design

Renewable energy has become a key driver for sustainable practices in manufacturing. Implementing such forms of energy in mold design and manufacturing reduces environmental impact and lowers energy costs. Let’s explore renewable energy in mold design!

How Renewable Energy Supports Sustainable Mold Design

Renewable sources of energy contribute to mold design by bringing into practice energy efficient instruments and equipment. For instance, solar energy can be used to power CAD applications, and design instruments. This reduces the amount of carbon footprint when producing molds.

Low energy consumption molds are designed such that they incorporate technologies that consume relatively little energy. These molds bring down total energy usage in production, hence making manufacturing more sustainable.

Designing Energy-Efficient Molds

Low-energy molds involve creating molds that will have high productivity and at the same time consume less power. These molds consist of high tech materials and design features to minimize the amount of heat energy that has to be expended for either heating or cooling. 

The following are samples of design tools and software that apply the use of solar energy:

• Mold design CAD stations that are powered by solar.
• Solar-powered simulation software
• Solar-charged 3D printers.

Renewable Energy in Mold Manufacturing

Manufacturers can use renewable energy sources including solar, wind, as well as biomass power in their operations. For instance, you can use electricity from the solar panels to power on machines such as the plastic injection molding equipment. This energy can be used to power equipment, lighting, and heat systems in factories.

Similarly, while using wind turbines, manufacturers can get a supply of electricity and the supply is not cut on any condition.

Case Studies

• Alliance Manufacturing – 63 kW Solar Installation: The company purchased a 63 kW system; its expenditures were covered in part by a grant from the USDA and a tax credit for 30% of the expense. It is estimated that this project will have less than a five-year payback period and bring about efficiency of energy hence improving the firm’s sustainability.
• American Family Insurance – Lighting Upgrades: Solo Coyote replaced T8 fixtures with single-bulb reduced-wattage T8 fixtures, reducing energy consumption by over 875,000 kWh annually with a 1. 7-year payback period. This goes well with operational saving whereby energy efficient lighting has significantly reduced energy cost.
• Georgia Pacific – No-Downtime LED Upgrade: In 2019, the George Pacific’s facility in Green Bay replaced traditional incandescent lighting to high efficiency solar LED at work. This step improved illumination and also helped in receiving a significant amount of energy reduction.

Conclusion

When it comes to making manufacturing sustainable, energy from natural resources can come in handy. Renewable energy for instance; solar energy, wind energy, biomass, hydro energy and geothermal energy supports energy efficient processes. 

Use of renewable energy in mold design and mold manufacturing pushes down energy expenses and thus, the environmental impact. Real-life application of some of these technologies shows that it is possible to incorporate natural energy in your production.