Demonstration of Natural Gas Engine Driven Air Compressor Technology at Department of Defense Industrial Facilities

Abstract

Recent downsizing and consolidation of Department of Defense (DOD) facilities provides an opportunity to upgrade remaining facilities with more efficient and less polluting equipment. Use of air compressors by the DOD is widespread and the variety of tools and machinery that operate on compressed air is increasing. The energy cost of operating a natural gas engine-driven air compressor (NGEDAC) is usually lower than the cost of operating an electric-driven air compressor. Initial capital costs are offset by differences in prevailing utility rates, efficiencies of partial load operation, reductions in peak demand, heat recovery, and avoiding the cost of back-up generators. Natural gas, a clean-burning fuel, is abundant and readily available. In an effort to reduce its over-all environmental impact and energy consumption, the U.S. Army plans to apply NGEDAC technology in support of fixed facilities compressed air systems. Site assessment and demonstration results are presented in this paper.