Airports are considered to be some of the largest consumers of energy. However, with proper strategies, airports have huge energy-saving potential. According to experts, airports use about 70 percent and 30 percent of electricity and heat respectively. For optimal efficiency, it’s important that airport energy managers understand basic energy management basics. Here are a few things any airport energy manager should know.
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Delamping
Of course, airports should be brighter. However, the brighter the airport, the more energy used. To realize energy saving, consider delamping. This process will reduce the cost of energy while keeping the airport adequately bright.
You can remove one T8 bulb from each of the airport’s 2-lamp fixtures. This can eliminate thousands of fixtures and reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent.
Energy Efficient Displays
Flight information should be displayed strategically in airports. However, these displays consume energy. To save energy, install automated programs that can sequence these flight displays. Still more, you can purchase Energy Star-rated displays. These simple efforts will save more energy.
Office Equipment
An airport cannot do without office equipment like desktops computers. If possible, upgrade to flatscreen mentors. Also, power them down. You can also put them to sleep, especially when not in use. Leverage smart power strips on devices such as printers, monitors, etc. For further energy saving, consider installing good power management software.
HVAC Maintenance
Schedule regular maintenance of the HVAC equipment. A properly working HVAC system is more efficient than a malfunctioned one. Thus, things like periodic tune-ups give you more energy-saving opportunities. Plus, these small efforts will prolong the lifespan of your equipment.
Start by creating a good preventative maintenance plan. Tasks such as calibration, cleaning, inspection, as well as replacements should be scheduled regularly. This plan should be shared between the energy managers.
Optimize HVAC Settings
Work on the thermostat settings to ensure everything is fine. Check to see if the settings produce the desired temperatures in different areas of the airport. HVAC controls can be used to do away with ventilation in areas nobody uses.
Economizers
An economizer is a dampened vent that addresses the issues of mechanically cooled air in air conditioning systems. It draws cool air from outside into a closed space. It’s important to check the economizer from time to time for problems like seizures and breaks.
A stuck economizer can increase airport energy bills by up to 50 percent. Hire a licensed electrical technician to check and repair it to save energy. He/she will check things like lubrication, cleanness, etc. Also, the controls of the economizer should be properly calibrated.
Inspect The Steam Trap
Water can be trapped in the steam distribution systems. To get rid of this water, use a steam trap. This process saves energy.
The Bottom-Line
Making an airport more sustainable starts with having a clear energy management strategy. You need to cut down on utility costs. The use of LEDs and renewable energy will help you make an airport facility profitable. Learn the above energy management basics and make the facility more sustainable.