Optimizing your compressed air system''s performance requires a look at the individual components and how they work together. This "systems approach" starts with a complete analysis of both the supply side and the demand side of your system, ensuring a constant, steady system pressure; uninterrupted workflow; and minimal downtime. Additionally, an optimized system reduces wasted energy.
Air Audits: Identify Waste, Maximize Efficiency
Air audits review your entire compressed air system to identify ways to maximize efficiency; reduce waste; and reduce utility, maintenance, and equipment costs.
The Dept of Energy-sponsored Compressed Air Challenge has identified three standard audit levels: walk-through, assessment, and audit. A range of tools is available to meet these varying degrees of review -- tools that evaluate the cost and efficiency of a compressed air system, compare multiple compressor alternatives, and calculate investment paybacks on energy saved.
Outsourcing the design, installation, operation, and management of your compressed air system allows you to eliminate the capital costs of buying compressor systems. By utilizing this type of solution, you gain the opportunity to receive equipment upgrades when they become available or when your facility needs require them. With continuously maintained equipment, you also gain maximum system performance and guaranteed 100% uptime.
Without an effective monitoring system, it''s nearly impossible to diagnose the health of your system and total plant air operations. System monitoring tools available today feature embedded firmware that interfaces with your compressors and other air system equipment. With the use of a standard Ethernet connection, your monitoring tools can communicate over your LAN or the Internet for remote access.
A Well-Managed System Starts with Core Energy Efficient Products
At the center of your compressed air system are the compressors and contaminant removal systems that generate your compressed air power. Look for compressors that offer maximum full load and part load efficiency. A two-stage compressor can deliver more air than a single stage compressor for the same energy consumption. Part load efficiency improvements can be realized by using a variable displacement compressor control system or variable speed drive control.
Compressed air system controls match the compressed air supply with system demand. They let you take a total system approach to the production, distribution, and use of compressed air to maximize both the energy efficiency and the performance of the system. An effective control strategy shuts off unneeded compressors and delays bringing on additional compressors until needed.
Ongoing maintenance, service, and product training helps protect your investment in a compressed air system and ensures maximum system performance. By enrolling in product training programs, you''ll learn how best to operate your equipment. Also important is the manufacturer''s warranty. Determine how long your products are guaranteed for, and whether the warranty covers parts and labor. Manufacturers'' warranties can vary greatly, so it is important to consider them as part of your procurement and asset management process.