Starting with the areas that use the most energy is one strategy.
Do you know which piece of equipment in the factory consumes the most energy?Generally, heat source and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the largest energy consumers. Particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, these systems account for 50-60%, or even more, of the total energy consumption in the factory. Therefore, it is effective to start energy-saving and carbon-neutral (CN) initiatives by examining the energy-consuming HVAC systems.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing typically involves batch production (though there are cases of 24-hour operation). During batch production, there are periods when production is halted, but the HVAC system operates continuously, except during maintenance, to maintain the environment and cleanliness. HVAC systems need to supply outside air and pressurize the indoor environment, which requires a large amount of energy. Particularly in regions where summer outside temperatures reach around 40°C and winter temperatures drop below freezing, the thermal load from supplying outside air is substantial.
Reducing the energy consumption of these continuously operating and highly loaded HVAC systems can significantly enhance energy-saving effects.
What specific methods should be considered? We recommend considering “reducing the airflow volume.”
HVAC systems are designed to remove indoor heat generated during production and maintain the indoor temperature at a constant level. This is achieved by circulating and cooling the air. In pharmaceutical factories, ventilation rates (air circulation volume) are defined by the cleanliness classifications of the indoor spaces, often requiring circulation beyond just the heat load. Additionally, to prevent dust from entering from outside, HVAC systems pressurize the indoor environment. To achieve this, outside air is supplied and must be cooled or heated to the same conditions as the indoor environment, consuming energy not only for pressurization but also for processing the thermal load of the outside air.
Moreover, manufacturing processes often require local exhaust systems to remove dust, heat, and odors. In addition to maintaining positive indoor pressure, the outside air corresponding to this local exhaust must also be supplied. A large local exhaust volume increases the required outside air volume and the energy used for thermal processing.
While it is important to minimize the heat generated in manufacturing processes, reducing the circulation airflow volume of the HVAC and decreasing the amount of outside air are also critical measures for energy savings and reducing the carbon-neutral burden.
In existing factories, it is essential to appropriately review the airflow volume, while in new factory constructions, it is crucial to consider measures to reduce the airflow volume from the planning stage. Such efforts can have surprisingly significant effects.

Please feel free to contact us for consultations on carbon neutrality and energy saving.