Assessment of a compressed air system

An assessment of a compressed air system differs from an opinion of a compressed air system. An assessment requires a complete fact-based understanding of both the supply side and demand side of the system. We must go beyond what we think and what we know and enter into the realm of what we can prove regarding the characteristics of the system. This is particularly important when dealing with potential public utility financial incentives for system efficiency improvement. Without sufficient data, it is just an opinion. With sufficient data, a balanced and accurate assessment can be made of the existing compressed air system. In addition, with an accurate assessment of the existing compressed air system, energy efficiency measures (EEM) can be intelligently proposed and evaluated for projected savings and suitability for the system requirements. Finally, after energy efficiency measures are implemented, a data-based assessment of the new system will verify the projected savings and suitability as compared to the old system. In this manner, an assessment of a compressed air system will be the foundation of any proposed efficiency improvements which can be objectively verified. To illustrate this process, the following case study is offered for consideration. © 2007 Energy Engineering. All right reserved.