Roxul completes energy efficient upgrades
By Contributor
With FortisBC as a partner, Roxul Inc. recently upgraded its Grand Forks manufacturing plant with new energy efficient equipment, saving thousands of dollars in electricity costs annually.
“The cost to operate compressors is significant and represents one of the highest electrical costs in our operations. By installing this new technology, we’ll save a significant amount of money on our energy bill annually,” said Peter Regenberg, factory manager, Roxul Inc. in Grand Forks.“It is important to be as efficient as possible, and we appreciate the support we have received from FortisBC on this project.”
FortisBC provided a $30,000 PowerSense rebate to Roxul Inc., after the company purchased a new variable speed compressor and a refrigerated dryer for its plant, which manufactures stone wool insulation products for the North American market.
The new compressor matches compressed air production to the needs of the plant. The previous fixed-speed system would operate continuously, while the new variable speed compressor operates only when needed. With a variable speed compressor, decreased air needs means decreased electrical consumption, as needs fluctuate significantly.
The new refrigerated dryer ensures the compressor lines are free of condensation. The new equipment is about 20 percent more efficient than the older model.
FortisBC also contributed to an air leak study and will monitor the new systems over the next year to register energy savings.
Roxul expects to save about $26,000 in electricity costs each year. This equates to nearly 602,000 Kilowatt hours (KWhs) in electricity, enough to power 45 homes for a year.
“FortisBC is pleased to recognize customers who show a commitment to reducing their energy consumption by adopting innovative and energy efficient technologies,” said Michael Mulcahy, executive vice president, customer and corporate services, FortisBC. “We commend Roxul Inc. for completing these upgrades and showing leadership in adopting energy efficient technologies.”
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