Skip to main content
Back to Case Studies
Manufacturing – Utility-Intensive Industrial FacilityManufacturing

Energy Saving Opportunities in AHU, Motors & Other Plant Equipment

SEE-Tech Solutions conducted an investment-grade energy audit focused on AHUs, chillers, motors, air compressors, and pumps at a manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, identifying energy saving opportunities delivering up to 22% reduction in overall electricity consumption.

Energy Saving Opportunities in AHU, Motors & Other Plant Equipment
Savings
₹56.5 lakh per year
Annually
Energy
~22%
Reduction
ROI
~23 months
Payback Period
Efficiency
Up to 22%
Improvement

Project Specs

Client
Industry
Manufacturing – Utility-Intensive Industrial Facility
Technologies
Energy AuditAHU OptimizationChiller EfficiencyIE5 MotorsAir Compressor OptimizationPump EfficiencySustainability

Ready to optimize?

See how much you can save with a free energy audit.

Start Project
01

The Challenge

The Hyderabad Unit-1 manufacturing facility had high dependence on utility systems, with utilities accounting for nearly 81% of total electricity consumption. Major challenges included: High energy usage in air-cooled chillers (~35.6%) Continuous operation of AHUs (~20.8%) with belt-driven centrifugal fans Elevated electricity consumption in air compressors (~16–17%) Pumps operating close to full load with limited efficiency margin Poor part-load performance and rising electricity costs Absence of a structured, investment-grade energy optimization roadmap
02

Our Solution

SEE-Tech Solutions performed a comprehensive investment-grade energy audit covering all major utility systems, including chillers, AHUs, compressors, motors, and pumps. Key energy saving opportunities identified included: Adiabatic cooling retrofit for air-cooled chillers Conversion of static compressors to VFD-enabled compressors Indirect evaporative cooling of compressor suction air (5–12°C reduction) Replacement of belt-driven centrifugal AHU fans with aerofoil plug fans with IE5 motors Replacement of conventional motors and pumps with high-efficiency IE5 motor-driven systems Integration of VFDs and optimized control strategies Each opportunity was supported with detailed energy savings, investment cost, and payback analysis.
03

The Results

https://www.bizinfograph.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Energy-Consumpton.pnghttps://assets.focusonenergy.com/production/1_Placeholder-Images/Manufacturing-Chart.pnghttps://theengineeringmindset.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Chiller-efficiency-improvments-fb.png

The investment-grade energy audit conducted at Pravesha Industries Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad Plant (Unit-1) identified five major energy saving projects covering approximately 81% of total plant electricity consumption. The recommended measures together deliver a 22% reduction in overall energy consumption, translating into ₹56.5 lakh per year in cost savings with a total investment of ₹1.09 crore and a weighted average payback of 23 months

.

1. Chiller System Optimization (12% Overall Energy Saving)

https://coolingbestpractices.com/sites/default/files/Adiabatic%20cooling%20diagram.jpghttps://www.kaltra.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ig_efficiency-air-cooled-vs-water-cooled-chiller.svghttps://be-exchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/chilled-water-plant-diagram-809x1024.png

Chillers were the largest energy consumer, accounting for 35.6% of total plant electricity usage. Two high-impact retrofit opportunities were identified:

a) Static to Adiabatic Cooling Retrofit

  • Annual savings: ₹15.53 lakh

  • Investment: ₹12.5 lakh

  • Payback: ~10 months

Adiabatic cooling reduces the inlet air temperature to the air-cooled chillers by 5–10°C, significantly lowering compressor lift and improving COP during high ambient conditions.

b) Static to Variable Speed (VFD) Compressors

  • Annual savings: ₹15.53 lakh

  • Investment: ₹37.5 lakh

  • Payback: ~29 months

VFD-enabled compressors improve part-load efficiency and reduce frequent start-stop losses. The audit confirmed that similar savings could be achieved through this retrofit at one-third the cost of installing a new water-cooled chiller

.

2. Air Compressor Optimization (1.4% Overall Energy Saving)

https://www.airbestpractices.com/sites/default/files/HankCompressorCooling%20fig%209.jpghttps://mepacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Indirect_Evaporative_Cooling.jpghttps://www.metron.energy/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/METRON-compressed-air-schema-1024x388.jpg

Air compressors contributed ~16.6–17% of plant energy consumption. The audit identified high suction air temperature as a major inefficiency.

  • Solution: Indirect evaporative cooling of suction air

  • Temperature reduction: 5–12°C

  • Annual savings: ₹3.62 lakh

  • Investment: ₹2.0 lakh

  • Payback: ~7 months

Lower suction temperature increases air density, reduces compression work, and improves compressor reliability while delivering fast financial returns

.

3. AHU Fan Retrofit with IE5 Motors (6.8% Overall Energy Saving)

https://continentalfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TEK-ECM_Plenum_Fan_Web.jpghttps://hvacresourcemap.nrel.gov/assets/images/ahu_pie.pnghttps://continentalfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/TEK_Plug_Fan_OEM.jpg

AHUs accounted for 20.8% of total electricity consumption. Existing belt-driven centrifugal fans were replaced with direct-drive aerofoil plug fans powered by IE5-efficiency motors.

  • AHU blower energy consumption: 7.38 lakh kWh/year

  • Energy saving achieved: ~40%

  • Annual savings: ₹17.69 lakh

  • Investment: ₹44.7 lakh

  • Payback: ~30 months

Additional benefits included elimination of belt losses, reduced maintenance, lower noise levels, and improved airflow control with VFD compatibility .

4. Pump Efficiency Improvement (1.6% Overall Energy Saving)

https://www.energyefficiencymovement.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/5-things-to-know-about-IE5-SynRM-motors_hero-image.jpghttps://www.sulzer.com/-/media/images/products/pumps/single-stage-pumps/cpe_single_stage_pump_full_3d.jpghttps://ca1-cst.edcdn.com/_c600xauto/Centrifugal.png?v=1736183760

Pumps contributed ~7.6% of total electricity consumption. Many pumps were found operating near full load with standard efficiency motors.

  • Solution: Replacement with energy-efficient pumps driven by IE5 motors

  • Energy saving: ~25% in pumping systems

  • Annual savings: ₹4.13 lakh

  • Investment: ₹12.5 lakh

  • Payback: ~36 months

This upgrade improves hydraulic efficiency, reduces motor losses, and increases equipment life

Energy Audit Report Pravesha Un…

.

5. Overall Energy & Financial Impact

https://www.nationalacademies.org/read/12621/assets/images/p2001b2d5g186001.jpghttps://www.nonwovens-industry.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/08/807_main-7.jpghttps://financialmodelslab.com/cdn/shop/files/energy-audit-financial-model-income-statement-financialmodelslab_09a3dc36-0bfd-4d02-9e96-3a3816159f64.webp?v=1765300092&width=1390

ParameterResultEnergy Consumption Covered81%Total Energy Saving22%Annual Cost Savings₹56.5 lakhTotal Investment₹1.09 croreAverage Payback23 months

Energy savings contribution by system:

  • Chillers: 12%

  • AHUs: 6.8%

  • Air Compressors: 1.4%

  • Pumps: 1.6%

The recommended projects collectively improve system reliability, reduce maintenance burden, and significantly lower the plant’s carbon footprint while ensuring operational continuity

.

Conclusion

The detailed results demonstrate that utility-focused energy optimization can deliver substantial savings with proven technologies such as adiabatic cooling, VFDs, IE5 motors, and plug fan retrofits. The Pravesha Industries Unit-1 audit provides a clear, data-driven roadmap to achieve rapid payback, sustained cost reduction, and long-term energy efficiency improvement.

Get Started Today

Ready to Reduce Your Energy Costs by 20%+?

Join 500+ companies who trust SeeTech Solutions for guaranteed energy savings. Start your energy efficiency journey today.

Get Your Free Energy Report

Our certified energy engineers will conduct a comprehensive walkthrough Report of your facility and provide a detailed report with guaranteed savings potential.

Comprehensive facility assessment
Detailed savings opportunity report
ROI analysis and payback calculations
No obligation consultation

Quick Contact Form

Products (Super Efficient):