Compressed Air Energy Efficiency

In terms of electrical power usage and direct electrical power costs, the air compressor installation is probably the highest and most inefficient in terms of energy usage. Roughly 80 to 90 percent of the electricity used to operate compressed air systems is converted to low-temperature waste heat. This lost energy can quickly add up, each year costing individual manufacturers as much as double the purchase and installation cost (first-cost) of the entire system. Most manufacturing facilities use compressed air for at least some functions; for many plants, energy for compressed air systems can account for up to 35% of the total electrical power billing of a facility. Over 15% of total motor energy in the industrial sector goes to producing compressed air, yet compressed air systems are inherently inefficient, producing only one unit of useful work for every 5 units of energy input. It is obvious that the electrical costs of your particular installation need to be fully understood. Energy efficiency measures can achieve significant energy savings, as high as 50 percent in some cases. Because of expensive operating costs, improving the energy efficiency of compressed air systems often payback investment in short time. This 6 hr Quick Book explains how the selection, control and maintenance of compressed air plant can improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs. This course is applicable to mechanical engineers, energy auditors, facility managers, operation and maintenance personal and others in the design and renovation of facilities. Learning Objectives The course comprises 5 sections: SECTION #1 Compressor Types and Controls: Describes various types of compressors commonly used and how the control systems are matched to the needs of the users. SECTION # 2 Compressed Air Systems Auxiliary Components: Provides an overview of the key components of compressed air system and what each component does. Describes the air storage, air drying, piping, filtration and air cleaning methods. SECTION # 3 Selecting the Right Compressor Package: Compares various options on the technical parameters and energy efficient features. SECTION # 4 Compressed Air System Assessments: Provides an overview of the energy audit methodology. SECTION # 5 Energy Efficiency Measures: Provides an overview of the common losses in compressed air systems and the ways to conserve energy.