Electricity cost is an important expense for the manufacturing industry, a significant sector of the Thai economy. Although the price of fuel in the world market has decreased, it remains stable at a high level.
This has prompted entrepreneurs and business owners to seek technology that can reduce energy consumption and implement cost-saving measures to manage electricity expenses effectively. The "ENZY Platform," an intelligent energy management system, has been developed to maximise energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. As a result, it has garnered significant attention from industrial plants, office buildings, zoos, universities, and hospitals, all of which require a solution to address high electricity bills at their source.
The "ENZY Platform" (Smart Energy Platform), or ENZY, is a smart energy management platform developed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) as part of the EGAT Smart Energy Solutions business. It offers real-time control and monitoring of electrical energy usage while maximising efficiency. This is achieved by integrating data from IoT installations, including those related to electricity production from solar cells and energy storage batteries. ENZY facilitates control over equipment, machinery, and electrical appliances, allowing users to switch devices on and off as needed. It also collects and analyses data on electricity production, energy consumption, and other relevant information through an AI system. This data enables users to make informed decisions to enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, the system can send notifications to users when electricity consumption exceeds predefined targets.
Northeast Rubber Public Company Limited, or NER, is a major rubber production facility and a prominent ENZY user. High-power motors are continuously utilised throughout the production processes, including wastewater treatment, resulting in an average electricity consumption of 3 megawatts per hour. Despite having previously installed solar cells on the roof with a capacity of 2 megawatts and a biogas power plant to supplement electricity production during periods of high demand, NER still grappled with high electricity costs due to a lack of an effective energy management system.
IoT devices for sending usage data to the ENZY system.
NER has placed its trust in ENZY to provide real-time tracking of electrical energy production and usage within the factory, particularly monitoring electricity generated by solar cells and the biogas power plant. This data is analysed using an AI system for effective energy management. The system can also send notifications via LINE to inform electricity users when solar cell-generated electricity falls short, allowing users to order additional electricity generation from the biogas power plant through an online system. Furthermore, ENZY offers detailed reports on electricity usage, pinpointing areas with high electricity consumption. This enables precise control and reduction of electricity consumption during peak periods when electricity costs are elevated.
Parn Atthapisan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NER Business Development Division, disclosed, "We invested approximately one million baht in the ENZY system, which monitors energy usage. This has enabled us to reduce energy consumption during high-cost periods, resulting in monthly electricity cost savings of around 100,000 baht and an annual average of 1.2 million baht. Importantly, the system helps us determine which energy sources to use and when to use them, enabling maximum electricity cost savings."
Sumtech (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of auto parts with high electricity consumption, has had a similar experience. Prior to implementing the ENZY system, the company was unaware of the primary sources of electricity usage and the times of day when consumption peaked, making effective
management impossible. After using the ENZY system for over a year, the sources of electricity usage in each section became apparent. The system now issues notifications when electricity usage exceeds targets or when abnormalities, such as power outages, occur. Consequently, the company can manage electricity usage in each section and track electricity consumption on a per-machine basis, significantly enhancing energy management. Sumtech has achieved substantial cost reductions in various areas, reducing electricity expenses by up to 200,000 baht per year.
Most recently, the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand under Royal Patronage has adopted various EGAT Smart Energy Solutions, including solar rooftop power generation systems and the ENZY system, at Chiang Mai Zoo in Chiang Mai Province and Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri Province. These initiatives align with government policies promoting energy conservation. The zoo also features an electric car charging point, Elex by EGAT, within the parking facility, enhancing convenience for visitors who use these services.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has installed solar cells to reduce electricity costs during the day.
Mr. Thewin Rattanawongsawat, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, explained, "Khao Kheow Open Zoo adheres to the Green Zoo concept, emphasising zero-waste ecosystems and clean energy utilisation. With solar cells installed on the roofs of buildings and parking garages, we can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% for various zoo and office activities."
The ENZY system not only reduces electricity costs but also enhances production system efficiency. It provides a sustainable and concrete solution to diverse electricity consumption needs. For more information, please visit the website at www.energysolutions.egat.co.th , contact 0 2436 7010, or email at energysolutions@egat.co.th