Festo_Sustainability-Report_2020

7. Climate protection and energy efficiency 7. Climate protection and energy efficiency 7.1 Energy efficiency Climate change is also a central challenge for manufacturers of automation technology. Like any challenge, this is both a risk and an opportunity. Typical automation components occupy a special position in the field of sustainability, as they are usually only used together with other components and thus influence the respective system in which they are installed. We consider the reduction of CO 2 emissions at an early stage in the development of products. In 2020, a field of action was anchored in the corporate strategy for this purpose. An interdisciplinary team was tasked with ensuring the reduction of CO 2 emissions in the products and their use by the customer through various activi- ties.  GRI 102-11 In 2020, the reverse jet pulse valve VSVA came onto the market. It makes it possible to save up to 80 per cent of pneumatic energy in certain applications. The valve can be used when blowing off chips or dust and when drying, cooling and transporting parts. Below are two exemplary calculations for possible application scenarios. To implement an automation task, the machine builder generally has various pneumatic and electrical automation solutions at their disposal. The purchase of a solution and the decision to implement drive technology are directly linked to environmental effects in the utilisation phase. Basically, criteria such as dynamics, force, adjustability, load stiff- ness and above all profitability play an important role in the deci- sion. In many cases, a sensible combination of both technologies can also be the optimal solution. (  See Festo 2017–2019 sustainability report, page 68 ) Advice on energy efficiency To pass this knowledge on to the customer, we offer the following energy efficiency consulting services directly at our customers’ premises: • Workshops to raise awareness among employees • Energy efficiency analyses of production plants • Calculations of the total cost of ownership (TCO) to compare pneumatic and electric drive systems To ensure that customers receive the optimal solution for their application with regard to their CO 2 consumption, this technology comparison will be supported online by additional tools in the future. VSVA reverse jet pulse valve This valve with its integrated pulse function automatically reduces energy consumption when using blast air. 80% CO 2 reduction VTEM Motion Terminal Valve functions controllable via app, for example leakage diagnostics, energy-saving ECO travel, selectable pressure level. 70% CO 2 reduction Energy efficiency module of the MSE6 series Constant monitoring of the compressed air consumption to avoid unnecessary or increased compressed air, automatic switch- off in case of plant standstill or machine standby. 20% CO 2 reduction Vertical pressure regulator plate (VMPA1-... or VABF-...) The working pressure can be regulated directly on the valve terminal via the pressure regulator plate for the individual cylinder. No additional installation effort. 22% CO 2 reduction SFAM flow sensor Flow sensor SFAM installed stand-alone or in combination with a service unit of the MS series provides immediate transparency on compressed air consumption. 20% CO 2 reduction OVEM vacuum generator Reduced air consumption through air-saving circuit. Application-specific control of the vac- uum through integrated measurement. 60% CO 2 reduction DGC pneumatic linear drive Nearly no leakage due to new sealing system. 10% CO 2 reduction Energy-efficient products When using pneumatic components, the aim is to reduce com- pressed air consumption through efficiency technologies and thus lower the CO 2 emissions indirectly associated with the electricity mix in use. Continuous air Consumption: ~32 m³/h (533 Nl/min)* Cost per year: €3,648 Use of reverse jet pulse valve: 1 sec ON/0.5 sec OFF Consumption: ~21 m³/h (350 Nl/min)* Cost per year: €2,394 Savings: €1,254/year Use of reverse jet pulse valve: 0.2 sec ON/0.8 sec OFF Consumption: ~6 m³/h (100 Nl/min)* Cost per year: €684 Savings: €2,964/year * Consumption at 5 bar, 24 h/day, 250 days/year and compressed air costs of 1.9 ct/m³ (average price in Germany) Possible savings potential when using the reverse jet pulse valve VSVA: Up to 80 per cent Costs in the period under review Function 1: Continuous air Function 2: With reverse jet pulse valve (1 sec ON/0.5 sec OFF) Function 3: With reverse jet pulse valve (0.2 sec ON/0.8 sec OFF) Time in months Costs in euros 0 3 6 9 12 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 DGO rodless linear drive Constructive low leakage due to sealing system 15% CO 2 reduction SFGA flow meter box The ready-for-installation and ready-to-use analysis case contains everything you need for efficient, flexible consumption and flow measurement of compressed air at the plant. 20% CO 2 reduction Reduction potential can be realised by adding the following products to the system concept: Reduction potentials are realised by replacing individual products with energy-saving alternatives: 62 63 Festo SE & Co. KG Sustainability Report 2020 Festo SE & Co. KG Sustainability Report 2020