Feature

Optimising a compressed air system with a centralised controller

Central controllers are the backbone of an optimised compressor installation, managing the whole compressor room, matching the air supply to demand while offering pressure stability, and contributing significantly to energy efficiency. It is a proven fact that a 1bar pressure band reduction can achieve as much as 7 percent in direct energy cost savings.

07/10/2019 11:04:56

The first steps in optimisation

To take full advantage of optimisation benefits, it is necessary to look beyond individual machines and consider the compressor installation as a whole. It is essential to be prepared by establishing demand patterns, detecting and rectifying weak points such as air leaks in the supply system, and defining potential areas for improvement.

Few air systems operate at full load all the time. Part-load performance is therefore critical and is primarily influenced by the compressor type, the air demand profile, and the control strategy.

A simple control system may be appropriate to a facility with a single compressor and a very steady air demand. However, a more complex system with multiple compressors and dryers, varying demand, and many types of end users, will require a more sophisticated strategy of compressor control since this function is the important factor affecting system performance and efficiency.

Read the full article in the October issue of DPA.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.