Using Global Efficiency Concept in selection decisions of dedicated equipments

In actual economical environment, business sustainability requires high-efficiency technological processes. That is why the efficiency concept has to be present at all levels of industrial activities. Nowadays, some purchasing decisions are still driven predominately by the purchase price. This market segment is not specification driven and its focus is not on total cost of ownership (TOC). Purchase prices represent up to 5 % to 20 % of the TOC, function of equipments values (low = LVE or high = HVE). Predominant component of the TOC is the energy cost that is directly influenced by the efficiency of the conversion process. Although with more efficient equipments energy savings might be considered during purchase decision, the every growing importance on the environment of "Green House Gas" (GHG) emissions is still not a major factor when selecting such equipments. Often more traditional equipment is purchased at the expense of new innovative technologies that in addition to providing energy savings can also be used as a tool for trading Carbon Credits in the financial marketplace. The paper presents essentials of converter types (single and complex) and basics of the Global Efficiency (GEff) concept that has been promoted over the last few years in South African industries. GEff is proven as a useful tool used on price-efficiency decisions. Theoretical and technical aspects of this concept were substantiated with case studies. This part of the paper describes how GEff concept was used on price efficiency decisions when single input (direct) converters (considered as low value equipments) have been replaced. A case study of a single stage axial fan is presented. The use of GEff concept on price-efficiency decision for complex converters (high value equipments) will be presented in other paper. Besides the impact of energy savings and new innovative developments, the paper suggests other benefits of: Technical and economical performance improvements and competitiveness of mining corporations to international standards; Defusing incipient energy crisis in the sector; Improving environmental conditions, and reducing GHG emissions; Creating new job opportunities. Proposed concept in this paper could be further developed as models of improving companies' corporate energy policies.