Compressed air typically accounts for 10% of an industrial company’s electricity bill, in some sectors it can equate to far more with many companies being guilty of wasting energy through the misuse of compressed air. It therefore makes sense to put in place/action a compressed air energy management programme and make your system more efficient.
Reducing compressed air waste will:
- Save energy and associated costs
- Improve reliability, productivity and limit any downtime
A compressed air system is just that; a system, and every element of the system can impact upon its energy consumption. It is therefore necessary to include every aspect of the system when looking at energy management, failure to do so will only result in missed opportunities to save energy.
For example you may have the most efficient compressor on the market installed in your system, but if it’s connected to the most inefficient air dryer and a distribution pipework network that has a 50% leak rate, then all you are achieving is to produce wasted energy more efficiently.
CAPS can help you to draw up a compressed air energy management policy, this would include working with an individual or a team of people from your company in taking responsibility for the energy associated with your compressed air system.
The policy would include the following:
- Appointing someone who is responsible for implementing the policy and plan
- Raise awareness of all those who use compressed air
- Establish and explain compressed air costs to all staff
- Set targets for reducing avoidable waste and energy costs associated to compressed air
- Arrange a comprehensive compressed air system audit & report
- Implement any recommendations from the audit relating to energy reduction/savings
- Monitor and manage the CA system energy costs regularly
