ANÁLISE ENERGÉTICA EM SUPERMERCADOS

Abstract

In recent years, large supermarket chains are becoming highly relevant shopping centers. What was previously just a place to sell food and general-use products is, every day, increasing the size of its buildings, diversifying the products offered and adding other stores to the location. Consequently, electrical energy consumption has increased proportionally. The objective of this work was to find ways to reduce this consumption, analyzing the processes carried out in consumer units and looking for opportunities to implement energy efficiency. Measurements, analyzes and search for information were carried out within the chain's stores, enabling the analysis of processes and electricity consumption profiles. As a result, technical and behavioral solutions are presented that enable the optimization of energy consumption, aiming for a more sustainable use. A survey of the energy bills of 20 consumer units showed a reduction in expenses through the adjustment of store contracts. After the analyses, it was found that, just by changing the tariff framework, it is possible to obtain savings of R$ 14,360.00 per month, which is equivalent to R$ 172,320.00 per year. There was also a reduction in energy costs by correcting the power factor of stores that had this need. It was possible to obtain savings of R$3,883.31 per month, which is equivalent to R$46,599.72 per year, with an investment that pays for itself in 7 months, through savings on energy bills. The migration study of all the group's stores to the free energy market proved to be highly recommended. This action can represent a significant reduction in energy costs, with an estimated saving of between 27% and 32% of the total amount spent (R$900,000.00), which can result in savings of at least R$243,000.00 per month. This was proven with the change made in a store. Two units were analyzed in detail: one newer and one older. With the installation of electrical magnitude meters at strategic points within these two stores, it was possible to identify critical consumption points, suggest changes and compare the results. This analysis opened up opportunities for the application of energy efficiency concepts, such as behavioral changes, without the need for financial investments, generating a reduction in the stores' fixed costs. The results obtained can be replicated in any store in the supermarket sector, and are already being incorporated into the projects of new stores in this group. Keywords: Electricity, Energy Efficiency, optimization of energy use, Supermarkets.