 | Upgrading equipment and systems |
Monitors
A good monitoring system will identify how much energy a system uses and where. This in turn makes setting energy reduction targets and identifying where to make improvements easier.
Equipment for monitoring air use comes in many different shapes, sizes and types. The more monitoring equipment there is, the more accurately you will be able to identify energy saving measures. Consider the following options:
- Pressure gauges or transducers at various points between the compressor and end user
- Air temperature gauges in compressor’s outlet
- Hours-run meters, showing time spent running on-load/off-load
- Data loggers that record when a compressor is supplying a load/when it is idling
- Electricity monitors on each compressor
- Airflow meters on distribution system.
The following are also required by law: - Pressure gauge on air receiver
- Temperature gauges in cooling system
- Pressure gauges along distribution network
For more information, see the Compressed air technology overview (CTV050).
Controls
Fit automatic controls to compressed air systems so that they only operate when they’re needed. Check out the options below:
- Time-operated valves
- Interlocks
- Detection sensors
- Automatic shutdown
- Control systems for multiple compressors
- Variable speed drives (VSDs) for your air compressor
For more information, see the Compressed air technology overview (CTV050).
Other opportunities
1. Recover waste heatThe compression process generates tremendous amounts of heat. Between 70-90% of the motor input power can be recovered as waste heat and used for:
- Space heating
- Domestic hot water heating
- Pre-heating boiler feedwater
- Process heating or pre-heating
- Producing warm air to keep product and packing materials dry
- Providing heat to regenerate desiccant dryers.
For more information, see the How to recover heat from a compressed air (CTL166).
2. Reduce drainage lossesCompressed air systems generate large quantities of water that have to be removed through condensate drains. Inefficient manual or poorly set up timed drains can waste large amounts of air. Zero air loss electronic drain traps can pay for themselves in under a year.
3. Improve distributionPoorly designed and undersized distribution systems can lead to large pressure drops. Upgrading key sections can reduce pressure drops and allow the compressors to run at a lower pressure. Reducing pressure by 10% can lead to 5% savings in energy.
Purchases of certain energy saving technologies are eligible for Enhanced Capital Allowances tax relief:
How to purchase new compressed air equipment (CTL170)