Laboratory efficiency starts with energy management. Lab managers should be aware of how much electricity their laboratory is using and what equipment is using it. This way changes can be made to reduce their lab's power consumption.
Forecasting And Building Management Systems
Information from electricity meters can be used to forecast how much power will be used in the laboratory. Spikes from this baseline can help you identify potential problems in energy consumption. Installing a Building Management System can also be beneficial for monitoring power consumption over time and provide insight for making adjustments.
Adjusting Equipment Settings
Laboratory equipment can be programmed to use less power by adjusting the settings. For example, turning on timers that turn off energy-consuming items like computers and printers when they are not in use. This is a simple way for lab managers to save on electricity.
Plug Load Management
Devices plugged into the wall account for a large portion of any lab's energy use. This includes things like computers, centrifuges, portable lighting, fluid and vacuum pumps, electronic balances and more.
In high efficiency buildings, plug loads may account for more than 50% of the total energy consumption. Choosing energy efficient equipment, setting effective energy policies, and employing plug-load controls such as load sensing and scheduled timer controls can make a significant impact.
Energy Efficient Laboratory Equipment
Laboratory equipment such as fume hoods, surgical lights and even laboratory refrigerators often have more energy-efficient models that can help reduce energy usage.
Ventilation
Laboratory efficiency is also impacted by laboratory ventilation, which helps maintain a clean and healthy laboratory environment. Adjusting airflow rates, installing heat recovery units and using demand control ventilation are all effective strategies.
TAB Testing
Conducting TAB is a key part in lab optimization. Adjustment to dampers and valves can improve lab air flow. TAB involves measuring things like temperature, pressure, electrical characteristics, velocities and quantities of air and water to compare designed performance versus actual performance.