The cheapest energy source 24/7 thanks to the Energy Management System

More complex energy supply through growth

As the company grew, the complexity of the energy system increased. They used a new purchasing strategy for electricity from the grid, installed solar panels and used generators when other energy sources were not available. The interaction between these energy sources was not yet optimal. This resulted in inefficiencies and higher operational costs.

The cheapest energy source for production 24/7

CubeCold Moerdijk's big wish was an Energy Management System (EMS) that seamlessly matched the functioning of the cooling systems. Cooling and freezing continues day and night. That is why it was a requirement that the system was constantly the most cost-efficient and uses a sustainable energy source. First renewable energy sources, then the grid and finally expensive generators.

“With the implementation of the EMS, we have not only reduced our energy costs, but also reduced our CO2 emissions.” - Frans van Helden - CFO CubeCold.

CubeCold Moerdijk's Energy Management System

QING implemented an advanced Energy Management System (EMS) that helps CubeCold Moerdijk optimize energy use.

1. Data collection from all collaborating systems
   The starting point of the EMS is a collection of information from all energy systems linked to the production process. This provides a complete overview of energy consumption and complete energy production.
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2. Promising options immediately visible thanks to simulations
   Thanks to a complex data analysis, QING was able to see at what time of day there was more or less cooling. Or even when there was an unnecessary amount of cooling. It was also identified where and at what time of day there is flexibility in the production process and where there is no flexibility.
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3. Operation of the Energy Management System (EMS)
   The EMS forms the 'brains' of the entire operation and ensures that the most cost-efficient energy source is used at all times. The system continuously analyses available energy sources and cooling needs. And finally, based on logic and prospects, decides what is best to do.
   
   For example, the system includes a solar radar that uses information from the KNMI to calculate the expected solar yield. This is how the system prevents generators from being turned on when they are not necessary, but this has happened before.
   
   This enables CubeCold to plan ahead and, for example, to cool less hard at night on mains power or generator power when sun is expected the next morning.

4. EMS implementation with software supplier Cubecold Moerdijk cooling system
   QING worked with the software provider of the existing cooling system to integrate additional information and logic into the control system. This enabled the EMS to communicate with all connected assets and ensured optimal energy distribution.