Global Journal of Researches in Engineering, G: Industrial Engineering, Volume 23 Issue 2

In this section, the paper will illustrate a number of measures to be taken to reduce energy consumption in warehouses, specifically warehouses already in operation. Note that the following is not inclusive of all possible ways to reduce energy consumption, as advancements in technologies may offer more or better ways to be adopted in the future. However, this does not mean that these measures should be ignored. i. Adopting an LED Lighting System Warehouse & logistics facilities need a lot of artificial lighting to function, as lighting is of the main energy-using systems in non-refrigerated warehouses [9]. So, the choice of which type of lighting to utilize to operate warehouse & logistics facilities is a crucial one in terms of energy consumption and GHG emissions. The best choice for these facilities is to adopt an LED lighting system, as it is the most efficient in terms of energy efficiency and light control, as LED lights have shorter switching times, more efficient dimming techniques, and higher light intensity when compared to traditional lighting systems (e.g. incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps). Moreover, they emit less heat than traditional lighting systems [10]. In fact, in warehouse & logistics facilities, studies have found that we can reduce their electricity costs by 75% by switching to LED lights and taking measures to control heat [9]. The following figures highlight a number of differences between LED light bulbs and traditional light bulbs [11]: Figure 4: A comparison between LED lights and traditional light bulbs (Washington University in St. Louis, 2020) Figure 5: Light sources used in different sectors and their distribution of total energy consumption. (Marc Fontoynont, 2018) [12] ii. Installing a Photovoltaic System with Light Sensors If the geographical location is rich with natural light, an organization can enhance their lighting system by installing light sensors bundled with a photovoltaic system, where during natural light abundant times of the day, the system turns off the light source since it is already covered by natural light [13]. As mentioned in section 2.1, heat is also a huge contributor in high electricity costs in warehouse & logistics facilities. Due to the nature of warehousing activities (such as receiving and issuing), temperature in a warehouse is volatile, with the constant flow materials going in and out, plus personnel going in and out of the warehouse, especially in high temperature or humidity areas [14]. To control the temperature and make it more consistent, install in warehouses doors that open and close quickly[15], and to achieve higher effectiveness, the doors should be automated with no human interaction needed to achieve higher degrees of temperature control [16]. ii. Insulation Even if the temperature is mitigated with isolation efforts suggested in 2.2.1, the insulation of a warehouse plays a huge role in temperature control, so it is not enough to invest in isolation measures to control the temperature. Companies should install heavy and thick insulation to enhance temperature control inside a warehouse & logistics facility [17]. This will also reduce the energy required for constantly adjusting the temperature [14]. iii. Installing Smart Sensors for HVAC Systems To improve temperature control efficiency, installing a smart temperature control system in a facility, instead of the traditional thermostat On/Off control model will further stabilize the temperature in the warehouse & logistics facility, and in turn will reduce energy consumption. A study has simulated the traditional heating control method energy with three thermal control algorithms to compare each method’s EUI (Energy Use Intensity). Due to its clarity and intuitiveness, Energy analysts compare building energy performances using the EUI indicator, as it is intuitive and clear. Fig 6 and Fig 7 illustrate the study’s findings [9]: © 2023 Global Journals Global Journal of Researches in Engineering Volume XxXIII Issue II Version I 41 Year 2023 ( ) G Optimizing Energy Consumption in Warehouse & Logistics Facilities: Measures for Existing and Future Facilities II. M easures to R educe E nergy C onsumption in an E xisting W arehouse & L ogistics F acilities a) Adjusting the Lighting System b) Temperature Control i. Partition between Areas Inside Warehouses with Different Temperatures