Smart electrical capacity management for leading truck manufacturer with measurement and inspansion
A leading truck manufacturer’s production facility covers a vast area, spanning several hectares and encompassing multiple buildings, including assembly lines, R&D facilities, offices, and logistical areas. Like other large companies, this manufacturer heavily relies on the availability and quality of electricity, which can be affected by a variety of internal and external factors.
“We would like to increase the capacity of our substation but have been on a waiting list for some time,” says a spokesperson. “Several coupling stations need to be expanded first, which won’t be completed until 2026. Even then, final delivery could still take up to a year and a half.”
The involved HyTEPS Technical Engineer explains how process could be made regardless: “By reshaping how we allocate capacity, for example, carefully managing peak demand periods, they can make the most efficient use of existing capacity.” This allows mapping of consumption on an ongoing basis to adjust loads. Substation capacity can be scaled up without grid congestion issues. In this way, production can be increased despite waiting lists for for grid connections.
Continuous monitoring is essential for freeing up capacity explains the spokesperson. “The big advantage is the fact that you have a wealth of historical and current data that a specialist can use to quickly perform analyses and provide recommendations. These analyses can offer surprising insights into energy savings and process optimization. HyTEPS has equipped us with numerous meters, continuously monitors our system, analyzes data, and offers solutions and suggestions when needed.” Through monitoring, analysis, and ‘inspansion’, more can be extracted from existing connections. Based on the data, HyTEPS can precisely identify what capacity is truly still available and where. This enables better alignment of loads to allow increased production or more efficient use of grid capacity.
Data collected by the instruments is analyzed using specialized software to identify trends and potential issues. “We now know how much capacity is available at any given moment and location, and which load levels are safe. Through advanced monitoring, analysis, and ‘inspansion’, the collaboration with HyTEPS contributes to the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of production processes.”
In recent years, the company has also made significant strides toward sustainability. This includes using renewable energy sources, implementing energy efficiency measures, and deploying energy recovery systems to reduce overall energy consumption and carbon footprint. Monitoring and simulation will play a major role in this as well.