Conserve Energy by Optimizing Air Compressor System

Abstract

There are many opportunities to conserve energy within an Industrial Plant without adversely impacting the operation or production. Many of these represent only relatively small savings, when compared to the overall utility bill; however, one major benefit of energy conservation is that the resultant savings in dollars goes directly to “the bottom line” as increased profits. To generate the same amount of profit dollars as an effective energy conservation project can generate, in cost avoidance, the plant would have to substantially increase the product shipments. This is not always possible; however, conserving energy is nearly always possible. How should one begin an energy conservation program within a major Industrial Plant? The same as any other task—one step at a time. This paper addresses one of the many small projects available within many industries—the plant air compressing systems. It outlines how one industrial plant was able to reduce the utility bill by approximately $50,000 per year just within the compressor plant alone.