Impact of network expansions on energy losses in compressed air

Abstract

Compressed air is a very widely used energy medium, used in various fields. Is one of the most widespread, but also one of the most expensive working media used in modern industry. According to studies available in the literature in Australia and the European Union, energy consumption by compressed air systems accounts for about 10% of total industrial energy consumption, while in the United States it accounts for 30% of total electricity consumption. In addition, these systems are one of the least efficient forms of energy - only about 10-30% of the energy generated by the compressor reaches the end point. This is primarily due to a change in the form of energy (e.g. heat), but also leaks in the network and inefficient use. During operation in the compressed air network, pressure losses (linear and local) occur as a result of pipeline construction as well as pressure losses caused by the use of devices and elements responsible for maintaining adequate air quality (local losses) in the network. The pressure drop caused by the pipeline elements will depend on the extent of the network, the diameter of the pipeline, the number of places where there is a change in the direction of air flow (elbows, venturi, etc.). However, the losses caused by the use of treatment elements will depend on the expected air quality (number of filtration stages, appropriate air dryer) as well as on the network operation time (e.g. air filter contamination). The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of compressed air network extensions on energy losses resulting from, among others friction during flow. The values of these losses depend on many parameters such as efficiency, air flow speed, diameter and length of the pipeline. Knowledge about the correlation of these parameters will allow for proper selection of compression devices, as well as for optimal design of the pneumatic network.