Categorising the efficiency of air compressor.pdfVIP

Categorising the efficiency of air compressors Hugh Falkner Sydney, February 2009 Compressor Energy consumption The big savings may be in the system – but why ignore savings in the compressor 1 Creating a level playing field Technology neutral, don’t stifle innovation Define the functionality Exclude specials Consider real life operating conditions Enhanced products always present a problem Selecting a compressor Reciprocating or Rotary screw 1 or 2 stage or Centrifugal Reciprocating and others Centrifugal The required pressure/flow will Rotary usually determine which type is selected, but there is some overlap It is not just about efficiency – need to consider eg noise and maintenance 2 Real life operating conditions d n Flow can be highly a m variable e D - Part load flow may be very important Time - Many compressors will work as part of a larger d n a installation m e D Compressor configuration Part Load performance Variable Speed Compressors are now popular. r e w o ing p t la du Mo m f u f o / n o m y i r a x t o How can we give benefit to a a R m l product that is best at part f D o S r o V t n o c load and worst at full load % f f o / r n e O How should we penalise w o P compressors with poor part Demand % of full load load power consumption Indicative only – not to scale 3 Inlet and outlet air quality conditions Define inlet temperature, humidity and pressure conditions Define outlet humidity, particulates and contaminants Higher quality air costs more energy Oil injected vs oil free compressors Oil free are more efficient, but cost more Packaged equipment – integral dryers For convenience, some compressors include integral air treatment equipment. Depending on the type of air treatment, this might represent a 5-10% energy penalty. It might also give a net system energy saving. How should this be accounted for 4 Heat Recovery options 80-90% of the energy consumed by an air compressor can be recovered as waste heat. Heat recovery equipment wi