Top Tip: 6 Simple checks of your air generation system that might afford a new Porsche this year
There are a few simple things you can do to make sure that you pay only for the compressed air that you actually use. Give it a try and you might generate enough savings from energy consumption to be able to afford a new Porsche!
1. Check your pressure settings
For centralised systems utilising multiple compressors, by using a central controller such as Atlas Copco’s ES controller, the network can be set to run within a narrow pressure band which ensures that the compressed air network matches your precise needs. The ES can also allow you to manually or automatically create two different pressure bands to optimise energy use within different periods, drastically reducing energy costs at low-use times.
2. Run your air compressor with no production to check for leaks
Process leaks are another reason for overspending on energy and these can be corrected by replacing production line equipment, for example, establishing greater control of pressure or shutting down systems when they are not in use.
3. Ensure the correct type of compressor is installed
As a fixed speed compressor has a fixed amount of motor starts an hour, the compressor runs offload for a set time which limits the number of motor starts to ensure overheating of the motor does not occur. As a VSD unit ramps up and down in a controlled fashion, the maximum number of starts and stops per hour may be increased, and it also avoids peaks in current when starting.
4. Book an audit
5. Make use of your ESOS data to realise energy savings
According to the Carbon Trust, a business can reduce its annual energy costs by 20% through improving energy efficiency and energy management, which makes it all the more important for those companies who completed an ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) audit to take the next step and turn the recommendations into real-life energy savings.
Atlas Copco can of course advise on the compressed air recommendations. Alternatively, check out the government's guide which aims to help companies make the most of the energy savings opportunities identified by ESOS.
6. Don’t forget the impact of regular maintenance
Whether you prefer a preventive maintenance plan or a fixed price service make sure your compressed air equipment is in safe hands.