An approach to optimize energy use in food plants

Food and beverage plants have adopted traceability systems to enhance safety and security. Now, amendments to Japan's the Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy are spurring them to also introduce energy management systems. Such plants consume massive amounts of energy for heating, processing, packaging, and other processes. By visualizing the basic unit for energy (BUE), energy management systems help minimize energy consumption. This cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces energy costs without lessening product quality. This paper describes the construction of an energy management system for a food plant. The system requirements, issues that need to be addressed by food plants and the prospects for such systems are also outlined.