Compressed Air Solutions
Compressed air is a vital part of industrial operations, including powering pneumatic tools and garage service lifts. It is often thought of as a “free” source of energy when in fact it is one of the least efficient and most expensive in the industry. Even the smallest compressed air system can be a relatively large component of energy consumption and cost.
High-Efficiency Compressor Systems
- Multiple stage compressors vary their speed to match load. Switching to a variable speed compressor can result in significant energy savings.
- $80-$110 incentive per compressor (incentive varies by system horsepower)
High-Efficiency Dryers
- Dryers help remove the moisture in the air, increasing the efficiency of compressed air production and reducing energy load. Select the drying technology that gives you the maximum allowable pressure at dew point.
- $250-$1,300 incentive per dryer (incentive varies by system horsepower)
Compressor Controls
Compressed air requirements may change over time or vary between shifts. Compressor controls allow compressor speed to vary to match need.
Air Compressor Receivers
- Air receivers are designed to provide a buffer capacity between the supply and the demand sides of a compressed air system. Having enough storage capacity near the compressor plant protects the compressors and dryers from sudden shift in demand. They also prevent false loading of the compressors.
- $180-$3,500 incentives per receiver (incentive varies by receiver capacity)
Low-Pressure Drop Filters
- The filter is a typical place where the air distribution system loses pressure; pressure drops can significantly reduce system performance. If you lose more than 0.5 psig at the filter, consider replacing the filter
- $40-$200 incentive per filter (incentive varies by system horsepower)
Air-Entraining Nozzles
- Air-entraining air nozzles draw in (or entrain) surrounding atmospheric air, reducing compressed air use at the nozzle.
- $7 incentive per nozzle
Click here for a complete list of incentives.
Determining Potential Savings
The independent Compressed Air Challenge provides information on energy saving potential of compressed air systems. Visit the Compressed Air Challenge website for more information or contact an Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner for more information. Our locator tool will help you find one in your area.