Compressed air systems are essential in manufacturing and industrial businesses, providing a versatile and powerful source of energy for several applications. However, the electrical consumption of compressed air systems can be an issue for manufacturers, since compressed air is often the most expensive energy source. This blog provides an insight of the electrical consumption of compressed air systems and how to optimize their efficiency.
Why is Compressed Air considered one of the most expensive energy source?
Producing compressed air requires a lot of electric energy, since energy costs account for up to 80% of the total cost of compressed air production.
These high costs are primarily due to the high pressures required to generate compressed air, which leads to significant energy losses. This is where compressor energy recovery comes into play, offering an efficient solution to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
The Importance of Compressor Energy Recovery
Energy Cost Savings
Energy costs can account for a substantial portion of the total operating costs of a compressed air system. By recovering and reusing the heat generated during compression, businesses can reduce their energy consumption and, consequently, their energy bills. Learn more on compressor heat recovey on this article.
Environmental Benefits
Reducing energy consumption not only saves money but also has a positive impact on the environment. By implementing energy recovery systems, businesses can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability efforts. This is particularly important in today's world, as environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly crucial.
Short Return on Investment
The return on investment (ROI) for energy recovery systems is typically short, ranging from 1 to 3 years. This makes it a financially viable option for businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Strategies for Reducing Compressed Air Consumption
There are several actions you can take to reduce the amount of energy consumed by your compressed air system. Below, you can read about the three main activities to work on:
Leak Prevention Schedule
Compressed air systems are prone to leaks, which can result in significant energy losses. Implementing a leak prevention program, including regular inspections and maintenance, can help identify and fix leaks, reducing energy waste and improving system efficiency. Learn more about how to find common leaks on this article.
Pressure Optimisation
Operating a compressed air system at higher pressures than necessary can lead to increased energy consumption. Optimise the pressure level within your compressed air system to the minimum required for the application. In this way, your business can reduce energy usage and lower operating costs.
System Efficiency Improvements
There are various ways to improve the efficiency of a compressed air system, such as using energy-efficient compressors, maintaining proper air filtration, and ensuring that the system is properly sized for the application. These measures can help reduce energy consumption and improve overall system performance. Read more on air compressor efficiency here.
Choosing the right size of air compressor
If your compressor is too big for the compressed air required by your production system, it will produce more compressed air more than necessary. Instead, if it’s too small, the machine needs to work harder to provide the amount of compressed air required. This can lead to inefficiency and ruins the compressors faster.
When the compressor is sized correctly, the whole installation works efficiently and decreases costs related to compressed air.
Estimating Compressed Air Consumption
To check compressed air consumption, determine the volume of air used in cubic meters and compared them with the technical information on your machine.
Most of our compressors are equipped with monitoring tools, that, among other features, record the machines’ activities and controls its status. You can rely on controllers for an accurate readings of compressed air consumption.
Common Questions and Answers on Compressors' consumption
What percentage of energy costs can compressed air production account for?
Energy costs can account for up to 80% of the total cost of compressed air production. That’s why implementing energy recovery systems to reduce energy consumption and operational costs is highly important.
What is the approximate length of time for the return on investment for energy recovery?
The return on investment for energy recovery systems is typically short, from 1 to 3 years. This makes it a financially viable option for businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency.
Implement efficient actions today!
Compressor energy recovery offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to reduce energy consumption and operational costs in industrial settings. Implementing strategies to reduce compressed air consumption, such as leak prevention schedule and optimising the system pressure’s level, can further enhance the efficiency of compressed air systems.
As we move towards a more sustainable future, compressor energy recovery will play a crucial role in achieving energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
If you want to learn more about how to improve energy efficiency on your compressed air system, get in touch with our experts today!
