Running load factor analysis on a plastics plant and getting some odd results. Their demand charges are eating them alive - 15-minute peaks of 800 kW but average load only 450 kW. Load factor is terrible at 56%. Any strategies for smoothing out these demand spikes in injection molding operations?
Load Factor Analysis - Plastics Manufacturing
Marcus, injection molding is notorious for demand spikes. Look into demand controllers or load management systems that can sequence the molding cycles. Some plants also use battery storage or flywheels to shave peaks. What's their current demand charge rate?
They're paying $18.50/kW on DTE's primary industrial rate. The demand spikes are costing them about $6,500/month more than they should with better load management. I'll look into the demand control options you mentioned.