Industrial warehouses are experiencing a technological transformation driven by the need for increased efficiency and automation. Modern "high-power warehouses" are at the forefront of this evolution, with advanced energy systems, automation technologies, and sustainable solutions that enhance operations while managing significant energy demands. From automated picking systems to electric vehicle charging stations, these warehouses require reliable, continuous energy to ensure smooth operations and future growth.

THE ROLE OF ENERGY IN HIGH-POWER WAREHOUSES

High-power warehouses rely heavily on energy to operate advanced automation systems, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, and high-speed conveyors. Reliable and continuous energy is essential for running both hardware and software components, such as barcode scanners, RF devices, and communication networks. Intellimeter’s EVCMC (Electric Vehicle Charging Management Controller) can act as a demand manager, controlling the energy demand caused by forklift chargers and robots, ensuring that power usage is optimized and balanced.

DEMAND MANAGEMENT THROUGH SUBMETERING 

The growing energy demands of these automated systems require smart energy management to avoid power shortages and excessive costs. Submetering is crucial for monitoring real-time energy consumption, providing instant feedback on energy use throughout the warehouse. This data allows warehouse managers to control and reduce energy demand peaks, optimizing the performance of all connected systems. The accumulated data can also serve as a foundation for forecasting, allowing businesses to plan for future energy needs based on current usage patterns.

REAL-TIME DATA ANALYSIS AND AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

CHARGING STATIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND MACHINERY

ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (EMS)

To manage the significant energy demands of these automated warehouses, many companies install Energy Management Systems (EMS). These systems optimize energy consumption by monitoring energy use across all operations and redistributing it as needed. For example, an EMS can ensure that AGVs are charged during off-peak hours to reduce energy costs. By leveraging an EMS, warehouses can reduce their overall energy costs while ensuring that critical systems remain operational 24/7.

NET ZERO CARBON READY CERTIFICATIONS

Warehouses aiming for Net Zero Carbon Ready certifications must make substantial upgrades to their energy infrastructure to transition to fully electric systems and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. These facilities will require energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-energy lighting, and EV charging stations to support electric vehicle fleets. This shift increases the demand for heavy energy use, as the electrification of heating and cooling systems, along with EV charging infrastructure, significantly raises the facility’s energy consumption.

• Electric HVAC Systems: Unlike gas-powered systems, electric HVAC systems (such as heat pumps) require continuous high-voltage energy to maintain temperature control in large industrial spaces, particularly for climate-sensitive operations.
• EV Charging Stations: Charging infrastructure for employee and logistics fleets requires substantial energy to ensure multiple EVs can be charged simultaneously. High-current fast-charging stations, in particular, demand reinforced electrical grids and high-capacity transformers.
• Energy Storage and Management: Facilities may also need to invest in energy storage systems to balance energy loads and support intermittent renewable energy sources. This further contributes to the need for a reliable and continuous power supply.

HOW INTELLIMETER CAN HELP:

Intellimeter’s range of advanced submetering and energy management solutions offer key benefits to consumers in high-power warehouse environments. 

• Real-time energy monitoring: Intellimeter’s submetering systems provide detailed, real-time insights into energy consumption across all areas of the warehouse. This allows warehouse operators to identify inefficiencies, control energy spikes, and optimize energy usage—leading to cost savings and improved performance.
• Demand management: With solutions like the EVCMC, Intellimeter helps manage peak energy demand from critical systems like charging stations for electric forklifts and robots. By smoothing out demand and preventing surges, consumers can avoid costly energy peaks and ensure smoother operations.
• Data for decision-making: The comprehensive energy data collected through Intellimeter’s systems serves as a foundation for forecasting future energy needs. This enables warehouse managers to plan for growth, schedule maintenance during low-usage periods, and avoid unnecessary downtime.
• Support for sustainability goals: For businesses striving to achieve Net Zero Carbon Ready certifications, Intellimeter provides the tools necessary to monitor and manage energy usage, especially as operations transition to all-electric systems. From HVAC systems to EV charging infrastructure, Intellimeter’s solutions enable sustainable and efficient energy management.
• Energy cost reduction: By offering detailed insights into energy consumption patterns and providing tools to control energy use during off-peak hours, Intellimeter helps consumers reduce energy costs while maintaining operational efficiency. This is particularly valuable in high-power warehouses where energy costs can quickly escalate.

CONCLUSION

As high-power warehouses continue to evolve, the demand for efficient energy management systems grows alongside advancements in automation and sustainability. Intellimeter’s submetering and energy management systems provide the insights and control necessary to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and maintain the continuous power supply that these modern facilities require. Whether through forecasting energy needs, managing real-time consumption, or supporting electric vehicle infrastructure, Intellimeter’s systems are at the forefront of helping warehouses meet their growing energy demands while moving towards a more sustainable future.