"Measuring is knowing" Before we started measuring and visualizing with SenseNode, we were only guessing.
Nicklas Nilsson, Operations Engineer
Södra Wood
Quality improvement and production increase with energy metering at Södra Långasjö
Södra Långasjö started a collaboration with SenseNode in 2022 to gain a deeper understanding of the energy needs of its wood dryers. Although many of the dryers are equivalent, there were signs that energy consumption varied. To gain clarity, measuring equipment was installed on all dryers, where water flow, temperature and the fans' electricity consumption were monitored. The results from the measurements were surprising. “It wasn't what we thought,” says Nicklas Nilsson, operations engineer at Södra. It turned out that equivalent dryers performed differently.
Energy Measurement Led to Quality Improvement and Increased Production
By analyzing the energy consumption across different wood dryers, it was quickly identified that two out of eight dryers were not reaching the desired temperature. The measurements showed that this was due to insufficient hot water flow, which was linked to faulty automatic air vents. Once these were replaced and the system was purged, the dryers could reach the correct temperature again. This resulted in increased production volume and improved quality.
On another occasion, an issue arose with a throttle valve that did not function as expected. Thanks to continuous monitoring, the problem was quickly detected and resolved before it impacted production.
Predictable and efficient boiler with measurement
“Energy measurement brought changes to how we manage the boiler for the dryers. The biggest advantage is being able to see where the energy goes and thereby control the boiler more effectively” says Nicklas. Since the heat demand for the dryers varies over time depending on the drying process, this affects the two boilers that burn bark and wood chips. By anticipating the energy needs of each dryer, the boiler can be fired more predictably, reducing strain when the power demand spikes by 1 MW from one minute to the next.
Simplified Energy Mapping (EKL) with More Insights
Last year, an energy mapping (EKL) was conducted, which was both simplified and enhanced by the continuous monitoring in place. The engineers conducting the EKL were given access to the system, allowing them to gather the necessary data efficiently. This data led to concrete and well-founded proposals that are now being implemented, including improving the insulation in the dryers and exploring options for heat recovery.
Efficiency with Multiple Benefits
Going forward, the focus will be on further optimizing energy usage. In addition to reducing costs and improving sustainability, decreased energy consumption will also eliminate the need for NOx reporting. When energy consumption exceeds 50 GWh, there is a requirement to report NOx emissions. With a 15% efficiency improvement, Södra will fall below that threshold.
