Compressed air is used in most industries to perform linear or rotary work, associated with the movement of a piston or a pneumatic motor. Only between 4% and 10% of the electrical energy consumed is actually used to compress the air; the rest is mostly lost as heat generated during the process and, to a much lesser extent, through distribution losses, improper use, air treatment, etc. From these losses, energy-saving measures can be implemented that allow savings of up to 25% of the total energy consumed.
Energy Saving and Efficiency Measures
Reducing leaks in duct networks (Savings above 2%)
Air losses in distribution networks represent an energy and therefore economic loss that every company should avoid.
Reducing air pressure to the minimum permitted level (Savings of around 1%)
The pressure supplied to connected equipment should not exceed the minimum operating pressure required by the equipment with the highest minimum pressure demand among all pneumatic devices in the industrial facility.
Supplying the compressor with cold/fresh air
Cold air is denser; therefore, supplying the compressor with air at a temperature lower than ambient increases its mass flow rate and consequently improves its efficiency.
Other Energy-Saving Measures
- Using compressors equipped with high-efficiency motors and variable frequency drives to adjust motor speed to the required pressure.
- Selecting the optimal compressor for the required operation, avoiding oversizing.
- Using multistage compressors to improve the air compression process.
- Reusing the heat generated in other production processes within the company.
- Improving airflow in piping to reduce pressure losses due to friction.
- Performing proper maintenance.
- Avoiding unnecessary use of equipment.
