Minimising electricity costs by developing an effective combination of alternative energy sources

Abstract

This study evaluates the high electricity costs faced at a carpet manufacturing company. Research was conducted by focusing on the supply and availability of electricity in South Africa and alternative energy sources. Modelling methods were investigated to determine an appropriate approach to solving the high-cost problem at the company to ensure that the model could be reused for similar scenarios. The findings provide an electricity minimisation solution that requires the installation of a solar system. Using generated solar energy, and consuming generator power to maintain optimal monthly municipal thresholds, electricity costs would be reduced by over R100 000 monthly.

Hierdie studie evalueer die hoë kostes van elektrisiteit by ʼn matvervaardigingsmaatskappy. Navorsing het gefokus op die verskaffing en beskikbaarheid van elektrisiteit in Suid-Afrika en alternatiewe energiebronne. Modelleringsmetodes is ondersoek om ʼn gepaste benadering te identifiseer om die hoë-koste probleem by die maatskappy op te los. Die bevindinge verskaf ʼn elektrisiteit minimering oplossing wat die installasie van ʼn sonpaneel stelsel vereis. Deur sonenergie op te wek, en deur dieselgenerator krag te gebruik om die optimale maandelikse munisipale drempels te handhaaf, kan maandelikse energiekostebesparings van meer as R100 000 gerealiseer word.