Energy Savings Measures in Compressed Air Systems

Authors

  • Hernan Hernandez-Herrera Universidad Simón Bolivar, Facultad de Ingenierias, Barranquilla, Colombia. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6035-245X
  • Jorge I. Silva-Ortega Research Group of Energy Optimization GIOPEN, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla, Colombia http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7813-0142
  • Vicente Leonel Martínez Diaz Universidad Simón Bolivar, Facultad de Ingenierias, Barranquilla, Colombia. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4102-0839
  • Zaid García Sanchez Center of Energy and Environmental Studies Department, Universidad de Cienfuegos, Cuba
  • Gilberto González García Facultad de Ingenierías, Institución Universitaria ITSA. Barranquilla, Colombia
  • Sandra M. Escorcia Universidad Simón Bolivar, Facultad de Ingenierias, Barranquilla, Colombia.
  • Habid E. Zarate Universidad Simón Bolivar, Facultad de Ingenierias, Barranquilla, Colombia.

Abstract

Compressed air is one of the most widely used application energies in the industry, such as good transportability, safety, purity, cleanliness, storage capacity and ease of use. In many countries, compressed air systems account for approximately 10% of the industry's total electricity consumption.  Despite all its advantages, compressed air is expensive, only between 10% to 30% of the energy consumed reaches the point of final use. Energy is lost as heat, leaks, pressure drop, misuse, among others. Energy efficiency measures such as: reducing compressor pressure, lowering air inlet temperature, adequate storage capacity, recovering residual heat from the air compressor and reducing leakage, can produce energy savings between 20% to 60%, with an average return on investment lower than two years. This paper analyzes the main energy efficiency measures that can be applied in the CASs, the potential energy savings, implementation costs and return rate of each of them are being calculated giving a necessary tool for companies in their objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.Keywords: Compressed air systems, electricity consumption, energy efficiency, energy savings,JEL Classifications:  Q47, L94, N66DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.9059

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Author Biography

Hernan Hernandez-Herrera, Universidad Simón Bolivar, Facultad de Ingenierias, Barranquilla, Colombia.

Titular proffesor Engineering Department

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Published

2020-03-17

How to Cite

Hernandez-Herrera, H., Silva-Ortega, J. I., Martínez Diaz, V. L., Sanchez, Z. G., García, G. G., Escorcia, S. M., & Zarate, H. E. (2020). Energy Savings Measures in Compressed Air Systems. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 10(3), 414–422. Retrieved from https://mail.econjournals.com/index.php/ijeep/article/view/9059

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