DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

DEQ40032 ENERGY EFFICIENCY ENGINEERING 1

SESSION 2 2022/2023

CASE STUDY REPORTS

AIR COMPRESSOR

LECTURER: PUAN AMRAH BINTI MAT SAFRI

NURUL DINIA BINTI SALEH 06DEQ21F1015

NUR SOFEA HANA BINTI NOREZ RAMADAN 06DEQ21F1048
SITI NABILAH BINTI PAKHAROJI 06DEQ21F1073
NAGHULAN A/L MARIYAPPEN 06DEQ21F1055

CLASS: DEQ4A
Table of Content

1.0 Operation of compressed air……………………………………….. .2

2.0 Compressed air classification………………………………………...3

3.0 Benefits of compressed air……………………………………………4

4.0 Application of compressed air………………………………………...5

5.0 Common problem in compressed air………………………………...6

6.0 Analyze the energy efficient and optimal energy

performance for compressed air………………………………………… 7

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1.0 Operation of compressed air
An air compressor is a pneumatic device that converts power by using electric
motor or diesel into potential energy stored in compressed air. An air compressor
forces more water into a tank and increasing the pressure. When the tank reach the
limit, the air compressor will shuts off. Next, the compressed air will held in the tank
until called into use. Compressed air is provided by kinetic energy that can be used
for a variety of applications such as pneumatic tools. When the tank pressure reach
the lower limit, the air compressor will turns on again and will re-pressurizes the tank.

Figure 1.1

Operation of air compressors is by forcing air into a container and pressuring it.
The air will forced through an opening in the tank, where the pressure builds up. For
example, like an open balloon: the compressed air can be used as energy as it’s
released. Air compressor convert electrical energy to kinetic energy. Air compressors
is similar with how to combustion engine works, using a crankshaft, piston and
connecting rod.

Figure 1.2

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2.0 Compressed air classification

An air compressor be classified according to pressure. There are 3 pressure which

is low, medium, or high. Also it may be classified by type of compressing element,
and whether the discharged air is oil free. Here are the lists compressors in three
classification:

1) Low-pressure air compressors (LPACs), which have discharge pressure of 150

psi or less
2) Medium-pressure air compressor (MPACs), which have discharge pressure of
151psi to 1000 psi
3) High-pressure air compressors (HPACs), which have discharge pressure
above 1000psi

Diagram 1.3

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3.0 Benefits of compressed air

1. Easy to access and store

Compressed air is easy to find because it comes from the same air that we
breathe. Air is pressured and compressed into to a smaller size before being
stored in tanks or bottles. This makes it portable and convenient to have on
hand on places without a power supply. Because of this, compressed air is
considered as the fourth utility and a secure and superior alternative for
electricity.

2. Safety

As compared to batteries, there is no risk of electric shocks, steam burns, or

running out energy. In contrast to electricity, compressed air can be used in
damp, explosive, or other circumstances, and air tools can be survive harsh
environments and temperatures.

3. Lightweight and easy to use

The materials used to make pneumatic tools can be lightweight, ergonomic and
make to be used pleasantly for extended periods of time. As a result, people
won’t become as worn out using them as they would with power equipment.
There is also no need for an internal motor because the power supply is
external. This means that air tools can be small enough to successfully execute
tasks in challenging to reach regions, as is the case with PCL’s little air tools.

4. Flexible

Compressed air can be used in isolated locations like farms and construction
sites since it can be kept in portable bottles and tanks. Additionally, it removes
the need for cables and extension leads by enabling the use of air tools in heavy
traffic locations, such as a busy workplace with limited space.

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4.0 Application of compressed air

Compressors have man everyday uses, such as in:

 Air conditioners which is at car and home

 Home and industrial refrigeration
Example:
a) To operate rotating tools e.g. air motors, drills, grinders, etc.
b) In Vehicle propulsion (Compressed Air Vehicles).
c) Refrigeration using a vortex tube.
 Hydraulic compressors for industrial machines
 Air compressors for industrial manufacturing

Example:

a) For filling the air in tube of vehicles.

b) In automobile service station to clean vehicles.
c) For supercharging of an IC engines.

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5.0 Common problem in compressed air

1) Low pressure

One of the most common problems experienced in a compressed air system is low
pressure. Symptoms can include machinery faults, inability of air cylinders to apply
necessary force, or inadequate torque on an air tool.

2) Compressor fails to start

This frequently happens as a result of forgetting about power connections, like a

disconnected power cord or a deactivated power switch. Simply check the power
switch and button before beginning. If necessary, switches should also be checked.

3) Air leaks

You have an air leak if you turn off the air compressor when the tank is full and then
observe that the gauge shows lower pressure. Leaks can, fortunately, be quickly
repaired. Try to hear a hissing sound or run your fingertips over the component to feel
air escaping to identify the leak's source.

4) Oil problems

Issues with oil use can severely damage your compressor. Most common oil problems
include:

 Oil expired quickly - When oil doesn’t last long, it may be the result of factors
including intake obstruction, oil leaks, worn piston rings, and improper oil
viscosity.
 Aerosolized Oil – Oil can contaminate machine parts and damage them.
Dispersed oil can cause seals to crack or swell and for plastic areas to become
brittle. Causes include restriction in the air intake, expired or inverted piston
rings, excessive oil in the tank, and wrong oil viscosity

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6.0 Analyze the energy efficient and optimal energy performance for
compressed air

One of the energy sources that is most frequently employed across a variety of
sectors is compressed air. A compressed air system is used by 70% of manufacturers.
It may also rank among the most expensive energy sources for manufacturing
facilities.

8 HP of power are needed to compress 1 HP of air. There is frequently potential

for improvement with many air compressors operating at efficiency as low as 10%.
Fortunately, there are low-cost energy conservation potential for 50% of the
compressed air systems at small to medium-sized industrial sites.

It's important to evaluate the entire system when determining the effectiveness
of an air compressor, which includes the air compressor itself as well as supply lines,
air storage tanks, air dryers, receivers, and after-coolers.

By making the right adjustments to the efficient operation of compressed air

system, a significant amounts of energy and money can be save. The efficient system
will be improve by the following approaches:

 Match the air compressor controls

 Improve system design
 Minimize pressure drop
 Improve the quality of the air intake
 Compressor maintenance
 Consider compressed air needs

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