Energy prices have been extremely volatile recently. Businesses should be doing anything they can to reduce bills. One often overlooked yet impactful piece of technology that can help achieve substantial savings is a voltage optimiser.
While this term might sound technical, the concept and benefits are simple and powerful. This article will walk you through what a voltage optimiser is and how it can help you save money and reduce your environmental footprint.
What is a Voltage Optimiser?
A voltage optimiser is a device that regulates and stabilises the voltage supplied to electrical equipment. In the UK, the power supplied to equipment is higher than necessary, exceeding the ideal operational voltage range of many appliances and machinery.
For instance, while most electrical equipment in the UK is designed to operate efficiently at 220V, the incoming supply can frequently measure around 240V or more.
Voltage optimisers reduce and stabilise this excess, ensuring that the electrical equipment receives power at an optimal level. This not only helps in preventing energy waste but also enhances the performance and lifespan of the equipment.
The Key Benefits of Using a Voltage Optimiser
1. Significant Energy Savings
One of the primary advantages of voltage optimisation is energy efficiency. By reducing the incoming voltage to the optimal level required by your equipment, you can decrease the amount of energy consumed without sacrificing performance.
On average, businesses that install voltage optimisers report energy savings between 8% to 19%, which can add up to substantial cost reductions over time.
For example, a hotel that spends £10,000 a month on electricity, could save between £800 - £1500. This could translate to a £9600 - £18,000 annually. The one year savings alone can justify the initial investment in a voltage optimiser.
2. Prolonged Equipment Life
Excessive voltage can lead to overheating and unnecessary strain on electrical components, shortening the lifespan of machinery and appliances. A voltage optimiser helps prevent this by ensuring that all equipment receives power within its optimal range, reducing wear and tear and extending the lifespan of critical business assets.
This leads to fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance costs, making your operational processes more reliable and less prone to unexpected disruptions.
3. Improved Power Quality
Voltage fluctuations can lead to power quality issues such as, electrical noise, harmonic distortion, and even spikes that may damage sensitive equipment. By optimising the voltage, businesses can stabilise their power supply and mitigate these risks.
This ensures smoother operation of sensitive equipment such as servers, medical machinery, or advanced manufacturing tools, which can be particularly susceptible to variations in voltage.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint
In addition to financial savings, voltage optimisation contributes to a greener, more sustainable business model. Lower energy consumption means reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This can be a significant part of a company’s strategy to meet sustainability goals, enhance its environmental credentials, and align with growing consumer and regulatory expectations for eco-friendly operations.
Implementing energy-saving solutions like voltage optimisers can also support corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and provide a competitive edge in industries where sustainability is valued.
5. Quick Return on Investment (ROI)
Many businesses are wary of investing in new technologies due to concerns about cost and payoff timelines. However, voltage optimisers often have a rapid ROI. With potential savings of up to 15% on electricity bills and extended equipment life reducing capital expenses, most businesses find that the cost of a voltage optimiser is recouped within 8 to 16 months. For larger-scale operations with high energy consumption, this period can be even shorter.
How Voltage Optimisation Works in Practice
Voltage optimisation systems can be installed in two main configurations:
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Fixed Voltage Optimisers: These are set to reduce voltage by a consistent, pre-determined amount. They are ideal for businesses with a stable and predictable power demand.
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Dynamic Voltage Optimisers: These systems adapt to fluctuations in incoming voltage and adjust the output to maintain optimal performance. They are beneficial for businesses where the voltage supply varies frequently or for facilities with sensitive and high-tech equipment.
Is a Voltage Optimiser Right for Your Business?
To determine if a voltage optimiser is a suitable investment, businesses should first conduct an energy audit. This assessment will analyse current energy usage, voltage levels, and identify potential inefficiencies. Companies that experience consistently high incoming voltage, pay significant energy bills, or operate energy-intensive equipment are typically prime candidates for voltage optimisation.
Common Industries that Benefit
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Manufacturing: High-energy machinery can benefit from stable voltage levels to improve productivity and reduce maintenance needs.
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Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and large venues that rely on lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
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Retail: Large shopping centres and stores with extensive lighting and refrigeration units.
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Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics, which require steady power for diagnostic machines and critical care equipment.
Voltage Optimisation – A Smart Business Move
In today’s environment of rising energy costs and increasing awareness around sustainable practices, installing a voltage optimiser is more than just a strategic move—it’s a smart business decision. By enhancing energy efficiency, lowering electricity bills, extending the lifespan of equipment, and contributing to a greener business model, a voltage optimiser can serve as a cornerstone for both financial and environmental benefits.
If your business is looking for ways to optimise operations, reduce costs, and support sustainability efforts, investing in a voltage optimiser might be the perfect next step. With energy prices unlikely to drop significantly any time soon, the sooner your business makes this upgrade, the faster you’ll start reaping the rewards.
If you're ready to improve your energy efficiency whilst driving down energy bills then why not get in touch? With our carbon management plans we will give your business everything it needs to reduce consumption and maximise on savings. . Request a free quote now and start reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills today.
