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. Compressor controls can be used to allow compressor speed to vary to match need when compressor requirements change over time or vary between shifts.
Click here for more information on incentives for compressed air efficiency solutions.
Solutions
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.
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.
Air Compressor Receivers (compressor control)
- 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 shifts in demand. They also prevent false loading of the compressors.
Low-Pressure Drop Filters (compressor control)
- 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
Air-Entraining Nozzles (compressor control)
- Air-entraining air nozzles draw in (or entrain) surrounding atmospheric air, reducing compressed air use at the nozzle.
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.
Get Started
Ready to upgrade your facility with high-efficiency equipment and appliances? Work with an Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner in order to be eligible for these incentives. See our Qualified Partner video for more information on this process.
Click here to find a Qualified Partner working near you. If you work with a contractor that is not yet a Qualified Partner, urge your contractor to find out more information here. As part of the project approval process, you will accept the C&I Prescriptive Program’s Terms and Conditions.
If you’re interested in getting started with an energy efficiency project in your business but don’t know where to start, you can sign-up for a virtual customer consultation here.