Energy Efficient Large Beer Brewing
Brewing is a multi-step process with precise temperatures and times. Breweries should use high-quality equipment to minimize man-hours and increase standardization. Having reliable equipment will also reduce electrical energy usage, water consumption and more. There are many ways that breweries can find energy efficiency in their daily operations. Whether it’s through new technology or methods for managing energy costs.
Large beer brewing equipment is a water- and energy-intensive process, particularly for small breweries, which do not benefit from the economies of scale associated with larger facilities. Energy and water consumption at small breweries can be reduced through systematic analysis of resource flows, providing granular information that contextualizes specific electrical and thermal energy (and associated costs) at the individual system level.
The boiling of wort requires substantial thermal energy, and it’s one of the largest consumers of energy at a brewery. In order to reduce this demand and save money, a brewery should consider using an energy recovery system.
During the boiling process, there are often leaks that allow steam and heat to escape. By fixing these leaks, a brewery can eliminate wasted energy and lower electricity and heating costs. In addition, breweries should be sure to use proper insulation for all equipment that involves heat, to prevent energy loss. This is a simple way to make a significant difference in energy efficiency.
Energy Efficient Large Beer Brewing Equipment
Refrigeration consumes about 35 percent of the total electrical energy consumption at breweries. Like heating, refrigeration can be an area where significant savings are found.
Insulation, adjusting temperature settings and fixing leaks are simple and common energy-saving practices. Many of these can be accomplished for free or at a low cost through state programs like the Small Business Energy Advantage program or commercial and industrial efficiency rebates.
Another opportunity for energy savings is in the brewery’s glycol cooling system. While standard comfort chillers work fine for most businesses, they aren’t designed to provide the specific low temperatures and control required for brewing. Glycol systems that use dual loop recirculation tanks with compressor modulation capabilities designed for brewing are more efficient and can save your brewery a considerable amount of money on energy costs. Moreover, this allows you to reduce your reliance on kegs, which means less manual handling and less product waste. You’ll also eliminate the need for chemicals used to clean kegs.
About 25-35 percent of all energy used at a brewery is consumed for wort boiling. By recovering this energy and reusing it, the brewery can reduce demand on natural resources without sacrificing quality.
Air compressors are used throughout the brewing process to power tools that clean tanks, kegs and bottles. This ensures that there isn’t a risk of contamination or spoilage during production.
Breweries typically choose rotary screw air compressors because they are efficient, quiet and long-lasting. These workhorses are ideal for continuous-duty applications and can operate all day during brewing hours at the brewery. They can also provide the high pressure that’s required for various brewing processes like filling, labeling and packaging beer. They’re commonly used to power conveyor systems, brewing equipment and centrifuges. They can also be used to wash kegs and other low-pressure applications. The right air compressor system can help a brewer maximize the efficiency of their operations while reducing energy costs.
Breweries use a lot of energy for packaging and refrigeration. Energy efficiency is key, as many small breweries have narrow profit margins. Keeping energy expenses low is the only way to stay competitive.
The brewing process requires a lot of electricity to run all the equipment. It’s possible to reduce energy consumption by employing new methods, such as regulating electrical usage and utilizing alternative power sources.
Another great tip for reducing energy usage in brewery is to only run the conveyor system when it’s needed. This can save a lot of money and make the brewery more efficient. It’s also a good idea to keep all unused supplies, such as yeast, in airtight containers to avoid any spoilage. This is especially important when storing ingredients like spices, Irish moss, and gypsum. They are best stored in plastic storage bins that can be easily labeled. The fuge is another piece of equipment that can help a brewery cut its energy demands, but it is typically too expensive for smaller craft breweries.