AIRCHITECT: The smartest way to audit your compressed air system
In today’s energy-conscious industrial landscape, understanding your compressed air system is not just a technical necessity—it’s a strategic advantage. That’s where AIRCHITECT, Atlas Copco’s intelligent audit tool, comes in. Designed to uncover hidden inefficiencies and optimize compressor performance, AIRCHITECT is more than an audit—it’s a consultative journey toward smarter energy use and lower operational costs.
AIRCHITECT is Atlas Copco’s proprietary audit platform that combines real-time data logging, simulation, and expert analysis to evaluate the performance of your compressed air system. It helps customers:
- Select the right compressor
- Detect hidden energy losses
- Simulate future scenarios
- Build a business case for upgrades or replacements
It’s part of a broader consultative approach that positions Atlas Copco not just as a supplier, but as a compressed air expert and energy efficiency partner.
The AIRCHITECT process follows a structured, step-by-step methodology:
1. Site Measurement with iiTrak device
- iiTrak devices are installed to monitor current and energy consumption over a typical week
- This data captures the real-world load profile of the compressor room.
2. Project Setup
- A project is created in the AIRCHITECT software.
- Compressors are defined and mapped to the measured data.
- Flow profiles are validated.
3. Simulation & Analysis
- The software simulates the measured scenario and compares it with optimized configurations.
4. Report generation
A detailed report is generated, including:
- Current system performance
- Energy consumption breakdown
- Proposed improvements
- ROI and payback period
- Equipment recommendations (e.g., VSD upgrades)
- Measurement Period: Typically 7 days of data logging
- Report Preparation: 1–3 days depending on complexity
- Total Turnaround: ~1.5 weeks from installation to final report
The report includes:
- Load profile graphs
- Energy consumption analysis
- Flow vs. pressure mapping
- Simulation of optimized scenarios
- Equipment sizing and selection
- Financial justification (savings, ROI)
It’s a powerful tool not just for diagnostics, but for decision-making.
| Audit Type | Provider | Scope | Duration | Cost | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Atlas Copco | Walkthrough, quick wins | 1 day | Free | Verbal summary |
| AIRCHITECT Survey | Atlas Copco | Data-logging, simulation, report | ~1.5 weeks | Often free | Full report with ROI |
| AIRScan | Atlas Copco | Full-service, ultrasonic leak detection | Customizable | Paid | Detailed system-wide audit |
| Third-Party Audits | Independent firms | Varies—often limited to pressure/flow checks | 1–2 weeks | Paid | May lack simulation/ROI modeling |
Ideal for:
- Customers with fixed-speed compressors running at low capacity
- Sites with retrofitted VFDs not delivering expected savings
- Facilities planning upgrades or expansions
- Any plant aiming to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint
AIRCHITECT empowers sales engineers to:
- Build trust through data-backed recommendations
- Identify hidden opportunities
- Propose the most energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions
- Drive conversions with clear ROI
Conclusion
AIRCHITECT is more than an audit—it’s a strategic tool that bridges diagnostics and decision-making. Whether you're a customer looking to optimize your system or a sales engineer aiming to deliver value, AIRCHITECT is your blueprint for smarter compressed air.
