Managing System Wide Compressed Air Costs Through Web Based Reporting and Analysis Tools

Rick Avery; Sam Prud'homme

doi:10.4271/2007-01-1335

2007-04-16

Managing System Wide Compressed Air Costs Through Web Based Reporting and Analysis Tools 2007-01-1335

If you can't measure it, you can't control it. If you can't control it, you can't change it. If you can't change it, you can't improve it. This logic seems simple when it comes to improving the efficiency of an isolated process, but it quickly becomes complex when attempting to improve the efficiency of a complete system.

For compressed air systems, the economic argument for improving efficiency is compelling - with up to 90% of the energy consumed by an electric air compressor lost as waste heat due to mechanical friction and electric motor losses [1].

There is value and opportunity to improve efficiency in a single air compressor, but to realize the greatest impact a manufacturer must address compressed air efficiency through a system wide approach. The issue becomes how to control, measure, and improve a widely complex system typical of a large multi-plant manufacturer with an assortment of compressor types and sizes, with differing air production requirements, and with assets in varying states of condition.

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Managing System Wide Compressed Air Costs Through Web Based Reporting and Analysis Tools 2007-01-1335

SAE MOBILUS