Energy efficiency in industry and energy efficiency optimization using the Six Sigma methodology

In the globalization, as days pass, industrial enterprises have to compete in not only domestic markets, but also with other industrial enterprises all around the World. Now, energy becomes the most needed resource to be successful in global competition along with other crucial resources as capital, human, and technology. Since the oil shock in 1970s, energy efficiency remains on the agenda of world global economies. In the point of industrial enterprises view, energy efficiency is not only an environmental issue anymore, but also it is a strategic issue by means of sustainability and it is a must to reduce costs whereas competition in global market is increasing. Optimization and improvement of energy efficiency has now become a major problem and knowledge of the tools & methods to use energy in a more effective way is critical. In this study, energy management systems, energy audits, and energy management opportunities (EMOs) which are used to increase energy efficiency in industrial enterprises are examined. In the implementation / practice part of the study, six sigma methodologies is suggested as an alternative tool in energy efficiency optimization. Six Sigma; Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) model is used as the method of the study. Nine hypotheses generated and tested on process' energy efficiency. Improvement activities are determined, planned, put into practice in the lights of Six Sigma DMAIC methodology. In this study, 17,7 % energy efficiency improvement is observed on a selected industrial dryer system by using only six sigma methodology and tools. This outcome shows that six sigma methodologies can be used as an alternative optimization tool for energy efficiency practices. Key Words: Energy management system, energy efficiency, energy audits, six sigma