Air compressors are some of the most continuously run machines in manufacturing plants and are therefore accountable for a lot of energy consumption. In fact, an air compressor alone can account for up to 20% of a facility’s energy usage. That being said, optimizing your air compressor is critical when it comes to saving your facility some serious money.
5 Ways to Improve Air Compressor Efficiency
If you’re looking to cut down on energy costs, the experts at TMI are here to help. Here are five of our best tips to help you improve your air compressor’s efficiency:
1. Choose the Right Make and Model
The best way to maximize your compressor efficiency is to start off buying one that best suits the needs of your facility. There is no universal “best choice” when it comes to air compressors — it all depends on what your needs are and which application(s) it will be used for.
At TMI, we supply air compressors in a variety of makes and models. Our engineers and technicians are happy to help you determine which would be the most efficient and reliable system for your specific needs and applications.
2. Install A Variable Speed Drive
If you haven’t already installed a compressor with a variable speed drive, doing so could be a game changer in terms of energy and cost savings. Air compressors with variable speed drives automatically regulate the compressor’s speed to match the output with the demand of the job. So, when you’re performing a low-demand job, the compressor will run at a reduced speed and save you some energy.
A variable speed drive can be a good choice for anyone who uses air compressors but is especially helpful for facilities with various applications and cubic feet per minute (CFM) requirements.
3. Check for and Fix Air Leaks
As the leading cause of energy loss in air compressors, air leaks can waste between 20-30% of a compressor’s energy. Not only do they waste air, but they also cause pressure drops that require longer runtimes to achieve the same output.
Air leaks can be found anywhere in the system, but are most commonly found in pressure regulators, shut-off valves, disconnects, pipe joints, hoses, and tubes. There are a number of ways to fix air leaks, and some can even be fixed simply by tightening connections. Other times, they require part replacements. Either way, you’ll save energy and money in the long run by getting them fixed.
4. Cool Intake Air
One thing many facilities overlook is the temperature of the air going into the compressor. Naturally, cold air is more compressed than hot air, so moving your compressor to a colder location would require it to use less energy to run. Something as simple as moving it to a basement or shaded area, or even bringing the temperature down in your plant could greatly improve your compressor’s efficiency.
5. Change Filters
Changing air compressor filters is surely important in maintaining clean air outputs for your applications, but it’s also important in maintaining optimized pressure. When filters are filled with dirt, dust, and grime, they can clog and cause system pressure drops. Again, any pressure drops require the system to run longer and use more energy to achieve desired results.
Air compressors are energy hogs. Anything you can do to improve air compressor efficiency can provide serious returns for your bottom line. At TMI we are air compressor efficiency experts. Contact us today and let us help you get the most out of your air compressor.
Contact TMI Air Compressors
