Glossary · Energy and utilities automation
Specific energy consumption
Also known as: SEC, Energy intensity
German: Spezifischer Energieverbrauch
In energy management, specific energy consumption (SEC) is the energy used per unit of output, such as kilowatt-hours per ton, per part or per cubic meter, calculated for a defined boundary and period.
- Energy
In one sentence
Specific energy consumption (SEC) is the energy used per unit of output, such as kWh per ton or per part, for a defined boundary and period.
Example
The injection molding department reduces its specific energy consumption from 1.2 to 0.9 kWh per kilogram after replacing hydraulic machines with electric ones.
How it applies
- Energy management: SEC is a common energy performance indicator because it relates energy to production; it is simple to explain and compare over time.
- Engineering: Calculating SEC needs energy data and production counts with matching boundaries and time intervals.
- Operation: SEC rises at low utilization because base loads are spread over fewer units, so it should be interpreted together with production volume.
- Documentation: The definition should state the energy carriers included, the boundary, the output unit and whether idle times are counted. Machine documentation can state typical consumption per unit for defined operating conditions, clearly marked as reference values.
Specific energy consumption vs. absolute energy consumption
Absolute consumption shows total use and cost. SEC shows efficiency per unit of output. A plant can raise absolute consumption while improving SEC, if production grows faster.