elcomponent.co.uk

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study – Elcomponent Metering System Saves +5% at Fine Foods Factory

The client is a manufacturer of luxury foods.

The solution

This isn’t easy – many of the manufacturing processes such as ‘open pan’ cooking represent an energy management challenge, but it’s one that the site Process Manager is ready for…

“Ultimately we need to know the exact energy content of all our products, but right now we’re making significant savings by taking control of unnecessary usage” he says. The tool that has allowed this to take place is a fully integrated multi-utility sub-metering system installed by Elcomponent. “It has provided invaluable information on the various processes, right from day one.”

The system provides half-hourly data on electricity, water and gas usage, and has enabled the food manufacturing client to get a grip on their utility usage in a way that is simply not possible without automatic sub-metering. Significant savings on gas & electricity have been realised by ensuring that plant and equipment runs only when needed, and better control of water usage has already reduced consumption by 5%. Overall savings of about £34,000.00 p.a. have been realised.

The Elcomponent system also provides wireless radio-based automatic temperature monitoring to 26 points including warehouse storage areas, freezers and blast chillers. The chilled areas must be managed efficiently to minimise energy usage and the Elcomponent MW2 cloud software offers temperature measurement as an integral function.

Client’s Feedback

The client is clear about the advantages of the Elcomponent approach…

“Being able to monitor and graph temperature on the same desktop as energy and utility usage is a massive advantage”. “So much so, we’re scoping out the installation of the system in our other manufacturing sites.”

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study – Transforming Energy Management, Upgrading to the Elcomponent Cloud Energy Management Platform MW2

Introduction

In today’s rapidly changing energy landscape, organisations across the UK are increasingly looking for efficient and sustainable ways to manage their energy consumption. Legacy energy management systems often struggle to keep pace with the evolving technology and regulatory requirements. This case study highlights the journey of a UK client, upgrading their outdated energy management system to the cutting-edge Elcomponent Cloud Energy Management Platform MW2.

The Challenge

The client’s energy manager was grappling with a legacy energy management system that lacked site wide visibility, was inefficient in identifying energy waste, and didn’t align with their sustainability goals and need to reduce site energy wastage. The client needed a solution that could provide them with comprehensive energy data analysis, automation, and the ability to make informed decisions for energy conservation.

The Solution: Elcomponent Cloud Energy Management Platform MW2

The client decided to partner with Elcomponent, a UK-based energy management solutions provider, to upgrade their energy management system.

Elcomponent’s MW2 was chosen for its comprehensive set of features and benefits:

Real-time Data Analytics: MW2 allowed the users to monitor and analyse their energy consumption in real time. The platform provided instant insights into energy usage patterns, making it easier to identify areas for improvement.
Automated Reporting: MW2 offered automated reporting features that streamlined the generation of energy usage reports. This saved the client significant time and effort while ensuring accurate and timely reporting to regulatory bodies.
Sustainability Metrics: The platform enabled users across the organisation to track their sustainability metrics, aligning with their commitment to reduce carbon emissions and energy waste.
User-Friendly Interface: The user-friendly interface of MW2 made it easy for the client’s energy management team to navigate and make the most of the system’s capabilities.
Dashboards and the ability for unlimited number of users allowed the organisation to engage a wide range of stakeholders across the whole company
Scalability: Elcomponent’s MW2 was scalable, ensuring it could grow with the client’s energy management needs.

The Implementation Process

The upgrade process commenced in January 2022 with an initial assessment of existing infrastructure and energy management goals. Elcomponent’s team worked closely with the client to customise the MW2 platform to meet their specific requirements. The implementation process involved:

- Hardware Integration: Updating hardware components and ensuring compatibility with the MW2 platform.
- Data Migration: Migrating existing data from the legacy system to MW2 to maintain historical records.
- User Training: Conducting training sessions for the energy management team to ensure they could effectively use the new system.
- Testing: Rigorous testing and validation checks were performed to ensure the system’s reliability and accuracy.
- Go-Live: The new system went live in less than 6 weeks, and the client’s energy management team began using the MW2 platform for day-to-day operations.

Results and Benefits

The implementation of Elcomponent’s MW2 platform brought numerous benefits to the client

Real-time Monitoring: The client now has immediate access to energy data, allowing them to proactively manage consumption and identify anomalies.
Cost Reduction: Improved energy management has led to a significant reduction in energy costs.
Sustainability Goals: The platform has helped the client align its sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions and minimising energy waste.
Scalability: The system’s scalability ensures it can adapt to the client’s changing energy management needs.

Conclusion

Upgrading from a legacy energy management system to the Elcomponent Cloud Energy Management Platform MW2 has been a transformative journey. The new system has not only improved their energy efficiency and cost savings but has also aligned them with their sustainability goals. This case study serves as a testament to the importance of embracing modern energy management solutions to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study: Leading UK University Partners with Elcomponent to Install Advanced Energy Monitoring System

Client

A prestigious, large UK university with multiple campuses and a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Challenges

The university recognised the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and operating costs by efficiently managing its energy consumption across various buildings and facilities. To achieve these goals, the university sought a reliable and comprehensive energy monitoring system that would enable real-time data analysis, reporting, and optimisation of energy usage.

Solution

After conducting extensive research and evaluating various energy monitoring system providers, the university decided to partner with Elcomponent, a leading UK-based company specialising in energy monitoring and sub-metering solutions. Elcomponent offered a tailored solution that addressed the university’s unique needs, including the integration of existing infrastructure, remote access, and data analytics.

Key Features of the Solution

Smart Meters and Sub-metering: Elcomponent’s system included the installation of a range of smart meters and sub-meters across the university’s campuses. These meters collected detailed data on energy consumption for various types of equipment, buildings, and utilities.
Data Aggregation and Centralised Management: The data from the smart meters was aggregated and centralised into a user-friendly platform, providing a holistic view of energy consumption. The system allowed for real-time monitoring and analysis.
Remote Access: University staff and energy managers could access the data remotely, allowing them to monitor and adjust energy consumption in real-time, regardless of their location.
Custom Reporting: The system provided customisable reporting tools, enabling the university to generate reports on energy usage, trends, and efficiency. These reports and dashboards were essential for making data-driven decisions and for demonstrating progress towards sustainability goals.
Energy Optimisation: The system included features for identifying areas of energy inefficiency. This allowed the university to take proactive steps in reducing energy waste.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Elcomponent worked closely with the university to seamlessly integrate the energy monitoring system with their existing utilities infrastructure. Utilising existing meters were possible and ensuring the system uses open protocols for new and future metering. Also allowing the University to share data with many location, users and software tools, mean the University has the flexibility to react to future changes and requirements.

Implementation:

The installation of the energy monitoring system took place over several months, with minimal disruption to the university’s operations. Elcomponent’s team of expert engineers worked collaboratively with the university’s facilities management team to ensure a smooth and efficient installation process.

Results

The implementation of Elcomponent’s energy monitoring system had a significant impact on the university’s energy efficiency and sustainability efforts:

Energy Cost Reduction: By identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing recommended improvements, the university saw a noticeable reduction in its energy costs.
Reduced Carbon Emissions: The university’s carbon footprint decreased, aligning with its sustainability goals and contributing to its commitment to combat climate change.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: The availability of real-time data and customisable reports empowered the university to make informed decisions about energy consumption and sustainability initiatives.
Improved Operational Efficiency: The ability to remotely monitor and adjust energy usage allowed the university to optimise its operations and ensure the comfort and safety of its occupants.

Conclusion

By partnering with Elcomponent and implementing a comprehensive energy monitoring system, the large UK university was able to enhance its commitment to sustainability, reduce energy costs, and make data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency. The success of this project serves as an example of how advanced energy monitoring systems can benefit large institutions in their efforts to become more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study – Energy Efficiency in a UK Cold Store and Transport Company

Introduction

In the United Kingdom, cold storage and transportation companies play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of perishable goods while maintaining the highest standards of energy efficiency. This case study explores the implementation of an Elcomponent Energy Monitoring System in a leading UK-based cold store and transport company to enhance energy management and reduce operational costs. The company’s name has been anonymised for confidentiality reasons

Challenges

The client faced several challenges:

Rising energy costs and a need to reduce operational expenses.
Limited insight into energy consumption and areas of inefficiency.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
Maintaining the quality and safety of stored goods.
A desire to optimise energy consumption without compromising operational efficiency.

Solution

The client opted to implement the Elcomponent Energy Monitoring System, a comprehensive energy management solution tailored to the unique needs of the cold storage and transportation industry.

System Installation

The Elcomponent team of experts installed a range of energy monitoring equipment within the client’s cold storage facilities. This included meters, data loggers, and real-time monitoring software.
Data Collection and Analysis
The Elcomponent system gathered real-time data on energy consumption across the client’s operations.
Key metrics included:
- Energy consumption of refrigeration units
- Electricity, Gas and Water
- Reporting and Dashboards
  
  The Elcomponent software (MW2) provided the client with detailed reports and recommendations. These insights allowed the company to identify areas of energy wastage, optimise equipment usage, and develop energy-efficient protocols.

Results

The implementation of the Elcomponent Energy Monitoring System yielded significant results:

Energy Savings: The client achieved a substantial reduction in energy consumption and costs, resulting in an estimated annual saving of £120,000. This saving was due to optimising the performance of refrigeration units and adopting more energy-efficient practices.
Environmental Benefits: By reducing energy consumption, the client decreased its carbon footprint. This aligns with the UK’s environmental regulations and sustainability goals, improving the company’s reputation as an environmentally responsible business.
Improved Product Quality: With accurate temperature and humidity monitoring, the client experienced fewer incidents of temperature deviations. This led to a decrease in product spoilage and improved overall product quality.
Operational Efficiency: The company’s operations became more streamlined and efficient. Real-time data allowed for better route planning, load management, and vehicle maintenance, reducing operational downtime and costs.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study: Energy Monitoring System Installation at a Leading Property Management Company

Introduction

The Client is a leading property management company with multiple sites across the UK and worldwide. They offer managed services to commercial, rural, and residential properties. To improve their operational efficiency and tenant billing accuracy, the company decided to implement a comprehensive energy monitoring system in ten multi-storey, multi-tenanted buildings in the heart of London.

Challenges

The Client faced several significant challenges:

Complex Utility Distribution: Managing the distribution of electricity, gas, water, and heat in a complex, multi-storey building environment.

Reliable Data Collection: Ensuring the collection of reliable and accurate data, compliant with the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) for tenant billing and energy management.

Oversight and Management: Providing robust data collection for effective energy distribution oversight.

Solution

To address these challenges, Elcomponent was selected to provide the data collection system, along with installation and commissioning services. The solution involved the use of both existing and new meters integrated via the client’s LAN, delivering real-time data to multiple recipients, including:

Tenant billing consultants
Energy optimisation consultants
Building managers
Maintenance teams

Key components of the solution included:

600+ Meters: Installation and integration of more than 600 electricity, water, gas, and heat meters.
Existing & New Meters: Comprehensive installation and commissioning of meters.
Real-time Data: Provision of real-time data to an unlimited number of users, ensuring up-to-date information.
Shared Data: Data shared with multiple third-party users for diverse applications.

Implementation Process

The implementation of the Energy Monitoring System followed a structured process:

Assessment and Planning: Initial assessment to determine the metering requirements and planning the installation process.
Installation and Commissioning: Installing new meters and integrating existing ones, ensuring all meters were connected to the client’s LAN for real-time data collection.
Training and Integration: Training personnel to use the system and integrating it with existing property management systems.
Real-time Monitoring: Enabling real-time monitoring and data access for all stakeholders.

Business Impact

The implementation of the Energy Monitoring System brought significant benefits to the Client:

Automated Data Collection: Reduced the need for manual meter readings, saving time and reducing errors.
Improved Tenant Billing: Automated and granular data feeds improved the accuracy of tenant billing and apportionment.
Energy Savings: Enabled the identification of energy wastage and opportunities for savings through detailed data analysis.
Cost Reduction: Lowered operational costs associated with manual data collection and billing errors.

Conclusion

The installation of the Energy Monitoring System by Elcomponent has proven to be a valuable investment for the Client. The system has enhanced operational efficiency, improved tenant billing accuracy, and provided the necessary tools for effective energy management and optimisation. By embracing advanced data collection and real-time monitoring, the Client has positioned itself for sustained operational success and improved energy management across its property portfolio.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study – Energy Monitoring System Installation at UK Leading Preparation and Food Processing Plant

Introduction

The Client owns a number of processing factories, and is a leading organisation in the food industry, has long been committed to improving operational efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint. Recognising the importance of energy consumption in their production process, the management decided to implement an energy monitoring system to gain better control over their energy usage and make informed decisions for sustainability and cost savings.

Challenges

The Client was facing several challenges related to energy management, including:

Inadequate Energy Data: The factory lacked a comprehensive system to monitor energy consumption, which made it difficult to identify inefficiencies or opportunities for optimisation.

High Energy Costs: The rising cost of energy was impacting the factory’s operational expenses, cutting into profit margins.

Sustainability Goals: The company aimed to reduce its carbon footprint and align with environmental sustainability goals.

Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with energy usage regulations and reporting requirements was becoming increasingly complex.

Solution

The factory management decided to address these challenges by installing an advanced Energy Monitoring System (EMS) from Elcomponent with the following components:

Electricity, Gas and Water Meters: Communicating meters were installed across critical points in the factory to measure real-time energy consumption accurately.
Data Acquisition System: Data acquisition units were employed to collect, process, and store energy consumption data from smart meters.
Software Platform: A user-friendly software platform was implemented to provide real-time data visualisation, historical data analysis, and reporting capabilities.

Implementation Process

The installation of the Energy Monitoring System followed these steps:

Assessment and Planning: A team of experts conducted an energy audit to identify the most critical areas for monitoring and set up a detailed plan for implementation.
Equipment Selection and Installation: meters were selected based on the specific needs of the factory and strategically placed. Data acquisition units and software were installed and configured.
Training and Integration: Factory personnel received training on using the software platform and integrating the EMS with existing systems.
Real-time Monitoring: With the system in place, real-time energy dashboards became available for analysis and decision-making.

Results

The implementation of the Energy Monitoring System led to significant improvements in the factory’s energy management:

Cost Reduction: By identifying energy inefficiencies and optimising energy usage during peak hours, the factory reduced its energy costs by 5% within the first year.
Sustainability: The EMS allowed the factory to reduce its carbon emissions and aligning operational activity with its sustainability goals.
Operational Efficiency: Real-time data and alerts helped the factory’s maintenance team respond to issues more rapidly, reducing downtime.
Regulatory Compliance: Providing accurate data for the clients regulatory reporting

Future Plans

The Client is now considering further enhancements to their EMS, including the integration of production data to provide predictive energy consumption based on factory output. Expansion on the other sites is underway, and similar results are expected at each.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study: Energy Monitoring System Installation for a Leading UK Provider of Wall, Roof, and Landscaping Innovations

The Client

The Client is the UK’s leading provider of wall, roof, and landscaping innovations, offering over 1,000 products across brick, roof, paver, facade, and blocks. Committed to sustainability, the company sought to reduce energy consumption across its energy-intensive operations with multiple manufacturing sites.

Challenges

The company faced several key challenges:

Sustainability Goals: Integrating sustainability into the core company strategy by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Energy Management: Managing a multi-million pound annual utility spend across multiple sites, making it essential to identify and implement energy-saving measures.

Data Accuracy: Achieving accurate, real-time data monitoring for effective energy management and decision-making.

Solution

To address these challenges, the company implemented a comprehensive energy monitoring system with support from Elcomponent. The solution included:

300+ Meters: Installation and commissioning of more than 300 meters for electricity, water, gas, and heat across 12 sites in the UK.
Real-time Data: Real-time data collection and monitoring via a cloud-based data platform.
Flexible, Robust System: A multi-site capable energy monitoring system tailored to the specific needs of each factory.
Turn-key Solution: A complete solution including installation, metering individual loads, on-site data logging, and a cloud-based software package.

The Elcomponent system was designed to monitor and verify energy-saving projects, allowing the company to analyse energy usage across its entire portfolio efficiently.

Implementation Process

The installation of the Energy Monitoring System followed a structured approach:

Assessment and Planning: Initial assessment to identify critical areas for metering and develop a detailed installation plan.
Installation and Commissioning: Installation of meters and integration with the cloud-based data platform, ensuring real-time data collection and logging.
Training and Integration: Training on-site personnel to use the monitoring system and integrating it with existing operational systems.
Real-time Monitoring: Enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of energy usage across all sites.

Business Impact

The implementation of the Energy Monitoring System had a significant positive impact on the company’s operations:

Energy Savings: Enabled identification and implementation of energy-saving measures, such as upgrading air compressors to variable output, which resulted in verified savings of £9,000 and 65 tonnes of CO2 annually on a single compressor.
Cost Reduction: Improved control over energy expenditure, allowing for reinvestment in efficient and innovative manufacturing processes.
Operational Efficiency: Real-time data and monitoring facilitated better energy management and supported the company’s sustainability goals.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study: Energy Monitoring and Management System Installation for a Leading UK Food Producer

Introduction

The Client is a leading UK food producer and supplier, known for its premium, fresh, and added-value food products. With multiple food processing facilities across the UK, the company operates in a highly competitive and energy-intensive industry, requiring efficient energy management and effective cost control. To further enhance its sustainability initiatives and meet compliance standards, the client sought to implement an advanced energy monitoring system to track and optimise energy consumption across its production sites.

Challenges

The company faced several significant challenges:

Energy Efficiency: Identifying inefficiencies in energy usage across various food processing facilities, including production lines, refrigeration, heating, and cooling systems.

Compliance: Achieving and maintaining compliance with ISO 15001, which focuses on energy management standards.

Proactive Monitoring: The need for a robust system to proactively detect energy wastage and identify areas for improvement during varying production shifts and volumes.

Harsh Working Environments: Ensuring the system could operate effectively in the demanding environments of food production facilities.

Solution

To address these challenges, the client partnered with Elcomponent to implement a comprehensive energy monitoring and management solution. The system involved:

400+ Meters: Over 400 meters for electricity, water, gas, and heat were installed across various production sites, including sub-metering for major energy consumers such as production processes, heating and cooling, refrigeration and compressors.
High-Power Wireless Systems: Remote meters were connected via the site LAN and robust wireless networks, allowing seamless communication of energy data.
Cloud Reporting & Alerts: Online reporting and automated alerts allowed the client to proactively detect issues, enabling faster identification of wastage and inefficiencies during different shifts and production volumes.
Energy from Renewable Generation: The system also tracked energy from solar production, allowing the company to manage on-site demand and export excess energy to the grid.
ISO 15001 Compliance: The solution ensured compliance with ISO 15001 by providing continuous monitoring and reporting of energy consumption, contributing to the company’s overall carbon reduction strategy.

Implementation Process

The installation process followed a well-planned and structured approach:

Data Integration: All energy data, including from renewable sources, was integrated into Elcomponent’s MW2 energy management platform.
Real-Time Monitoring: The system provided real-time energy vs. production output metrics, crucial for sustainability reporting, particularly for major UK supermarkets requiring this data.
Parameter Measurement: In addition to energy consumption, parameters such as CO2 usage and localised temperature were measured, providing comprehensive insight into the company’s overall environmental footprint.
Maintenance & Support: Elcomponent’s in-house engineering and IT support teams ensured seamless service, hardware maintenance, and upgrades to the infrastructure across all sites.

Business Impact

The energy monitoring and management system had a significant impact on the company’s operations and sustainability efforts:

Faster Issue Detection: Automated alerts and real-time monitoring allowed the company to quickly detect and address energy wastage, leading to more effective operational management.
Energy Savings & Compliance: The system facilitated energy-saving initiatives, contributing to both operational cost reduction and compliance with ISO 15001.
Water Usage Optimisation: The company focused on reducing water usage in its production facilities, using Elcomponent’s MW2 M&V tool to report savings achieved.
Decarbonisation: The system supported decarbonisation schemes by helping the client reduce reliance on gas and electricity, further advancing its sustainability goals.
Enhanced Reporting: Visual dashboards and automated management reports provided stakeholders with real-time data on energy usage, savings, and sustainability performance, supporting the client’s commitment to sustainability reporting for major retailers.

Conclusion

The installation of the energy monitoring and management system, supported by Elcomponent, has enabled the client to take significant strides toward energy efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and detailed reporting, the company has gained full visibility over its energy usage, supported compliance with ISO 15001, and contributed to its carbon reduction strategy. The seamless integration with existing systems and ongoing support from Elcomponent ensures the system’s continued success in driving energy savings and sustainability across all facilities.

16th May 202516th May 2025

Case Study: Energy Monitoring System Installation at a Large Hospital Complex in Central England

Introduction

The Client, a large hospital complex in central England, provides major treatment and emergency services for the surrounding area. With a constant need to manage costs effectively, the hospital sought to implement a robust energy monitoring system to gain better control over its energy usage and reduce operational expenses.

Challenges

The hospital faced several key challenges:

Cost Management: The need to continuously reduce operational costs while maintaining high standards of patient care and services.

Energy Efficiency: Identifying and addressing areas of energy wastage to improve overall efficiency.

Real-time Data Monitoring: Implementing a system that provides accurate, real-time data to facilitate informed decision-making.

Solution

To address these challenges, the hospital decided to install an advanced energy monitoring system with support from Elcomponent. The solution involved:

120+ Meters: Installation and commissioning of over 120 meters across the hospital site.
Large Site Coverage: Comprehensive metering to cover the extensive hospital complex.
Cloud Platform: Real-time data collection with half-hourly readings sent to a central cloud-based platform.

The hospital took charge of installing the meters and logging system to minimise costs, while Elcomponent provided expert support and commissioning services to ensure the project’s success.

The Engineering Manager of the hospital remarked, “The way the system comes together enabled us to use our own on-site resource to complete a major part of the project and use our financial resource to target other needy areas. I would work with Elcomponent again who are both professional and value for money. I particularly like the fact that there are no user licenses and anyone with an interest can log in to the software.”

Implementation Process

The installation of the Energy Monitoring System followed a structured approach:

Assessment and Planning: An initial assessment to identify critical areas for metering and planning the installation process.
Installation and Commissioning: The hospital installed the meters with guidance from Elcomponent, who then commissioned the system to ensure accurate data collection and integration with the cloud platform.
Training and Integration: Training hospital staff to use the monitoring system effectively and integrating it with existing hospital management systems.
Real-time Monitoring: Enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of energy usage across the hospital complex.

Business Impact

The implementation of the Energy Monitoring System had a significant positive impact on the hospital’s operations:

Energy Reduction: The system enabled the hospital to identify and reduce energy wastage, leading to significant energy savings.
Cost Control: Improved control over energy expenditure contributed to overall cost reduction, freeing up resources for patient care.
Operational Efficiency: Real-time data and monitoring allowed for more effective energy management, ensuring that the hospital could maintain its high standards of service while managing costs efficiently.
User Accessibility: The software’s lack of user licenses meant that anyone with an interest could log in, fostering greater engagement and oversight from various stakeholders.

Conclusion

The installation of the Energy Monitoring System at the large hospital complex in central England, supported by Elcomponent, has proven to be a valuable investment. The system has enhanced energy efficiency, reduced costs, and provided the hospital with the tools necessary for effective energy management. By leveraging real-time data and advanced monitoring capabilities, the hospital is now better equipped to control energy usage and focus resources on delivering exceptional patient care.