The Role of Energy Efficient Transformers in the Petrochemical Industry

Posted: Dec, 07 - 2009

Published: Dec, 08 - 2009

Format: application/pdf

No Of Pages: 6 pages

Language: English

Abstract

The petrochemicals Industry is a critical part of the US economy. The global recession is definitely looking up for the moment, but it has, without doubt, pushed this industry into major disarray. A key factor here is the increasing fluctuation in fuel prices, tending towards higher than lower as a matter of course. For an industry which is energy intensive, the growing cost of fuel and energy has virtually set it on the back foot, reducing its global competitiveness.

The Petrochemicals Industry in the US has already begun to re-look at the way it consumes energy and has begun a new search for higher efficiency. This whitepaper is yet another step among many to address this concern.

‘The Role of Energy Efficient Transformers in the Petrochemical Industry’ acknowledges the current situation of the industry in the US. It also notes the sector’s huge demand for energy and the role of power transformers to offer a possible, partial solution.

The later half of this whitepaper notes the need for energy-efficient and better-designed power transformers. This focus on energy-efficient transformers is not an option – it is an imperative in the light of recent Government legislation, policy and regulation.

The whitepaper also showcases Pacific Crest Transformers’ (PCT) long history in the area of transformer design for the petrochemicals Industry. PCT is a true pioneer, with over 90 years of experience in design and manufacture of customized transformers. With a strong focus on innovation and minimizing negative environmental impact, PCT is excellently placed to understand the energy needs of everything from power utilities to entire industry sectors, and offers an extensive suite of product options to cater to diverse needs.

Introduction:

The U.S. petrochemical industry is the third largest in the world and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. The US Petrochemicals Industry is also an indispensable part of the manufacturing and consumer sectors, churning out products such as fiberglass, tires, paint, plastic, rubber, detergents, dyes, fertilizers, textiles, solvents, and more.

In the recent past however, the US Petrochemicals Industry has undergone reasonably predictable lifecycle-path phases; from initial growth and augmentation to slowing down in marginal returns, and thereafter facing possible downturns aided by many factors such as competition and resource constraints.

The future of the US petrochemical industry appears to be uncertain at present with the imbalance created in the market by the high feedstock process. According to Business Monitor International’s (BMI) 2008 US Petrochemicals Report, the industry is also suffering the effects of a contraction in house building and car production, with output set to further diminish in 2009 and 2010.

Besides the ongoing effects of the recession, the US petrochemicals industry is faced with radical changes in the regulatory environment. The US is seeing a new policy climate with greater stress on tackling climate change through reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This move has major implications for the energy-intensive petrochemicals industry. A bill seeking to make a 17% greenhouse gas emission reduction through 2020 has raised objections from the chemicals industry lobby. The industry could find it difficult to maintain both competitiveness in global markets and meet its carbon targets, unless it introduces some drastic changes in the way it demands and uses energy.