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Energy-performance software awarded prize by IChemE

16/04/2007

Detecting, protecting and sustaining energy performance improvements is key to good business practice in the petrochemical world. A tool designed to help do just that has been commended by the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Software developed by Shell Global Solutions recently was recognised as “Highly Commended” in the IChemE AspenTech Award for Innovation in IT.

Over the last few years, we have worked with clients on the development of energy-management systems and the delivery of energy-efficiency programmes at refining and petrochemical sites across the world, where the tool has helped to achieve energy savings ranging from 2–7% for oil refineries and 3–5% for petrochemical plants.

The software has a wide range of potential engineering applications beyond energy efficiency. Value can be unlocked by pinpointing the operational drivers that have the highest influence on energy consumption; or by facilitating the construction of accurate baseline models that quantify and monitor energy savings and enable the improvement programme results to be audited. The models also detect signs of benefit erosion.

Herbert Tulleken, technical development manager, energy management, Shell Global Solutions International BV, notes, “This award is a recognition of the originality and the impact of the tool, which have been achieved after five years of teamwork. This software has been an essential enabler in identifying drivers for improvement as well as for performance models to measure and sustain energy savings.”