Compressed Air Initiative
The Compressed Air Initiative focuses on optimizing large compressed air systems, and may benefit your organization if you are experiencing:
- frequent pressure drops;
- shortage of air;
- high maintenance costs;
- high moisture levels; and/or
- oil carry-over.
Compressed air is one of the most important utility requirements of the typical industrial manufacturer – in fact, it is the fourth most important utility. Your 200 HP air compressor could be a $1,000,000 decision [PDF, 219 Kb]. Without a consistent supply of quality compressed air, production is adversely impacted, or even shut down. Even so, many facilities operate compressed air systems that do not adequately meet the needs of today's critical production requirements. Often there are persistent problems with oil carry over, moisture content and frequent pressure drops. By optimizing your compressed air system, these typical problems can be eliminated.
A high-performing system can provide more available air at consistent air pressure, better air quality, lower maintenance costs and considerable energy savings.
What are the Benefits?
- Higher productivity
- Better system performance and reliability
- Reduced maintenance and energy costs
How BC Hydro Can Help
The Compressed Air Initiative promotes a systems approach to the optimization of compressed air, focusing on:
- design issues;
- operational issues; and
- maintenance issues.
Here's what we can offer you:
Assessment and Review
- A fully-funded "CASE" (Compressed Air Savings Estimator) preliminary assessment of your system by a BC Hydro Energy Management Engineer (subject to customer supplying sufficient technical information to populate the CASE).
Energy Study
- Based on the opportunities identified in the CASE, the next step would be an Energy Study. Power Smart Partners are eligible for co-funding of these costs by up to 50 per cent.
Incentives
- Potential incentives are available for implementing energy savings measures identified in the energy study. This can help reduce the payback period for projects that previously may not have met internal funding requirements.
Monitoring and Tracking Performance
- Data monitoring of air compressors and periodic performance assessment.
Education and Training
- Comprehensive Compressed Air System Management workshops, run by world-class compressed air experts.
- Comprehensive 16-page guide, Energy-Efficient Compressed Air Systems [PDF, 247 Kb].
Contact Us
To find out more about the Compressed Air Initiative, contact us or call 1 866 453-6400.
