Findings from Measurements of the Electric Power Demand of Air Compressors

Ulf Hummel, Peter Radgen, Sercan Ülker and Ralph Schelle
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Ulf Hummel: Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use, University of Stuttgart, 70565 Stuttgart, Germany
Peter Radgen: Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use, University of Stuttgart, 70565 Stuttgart, Germany
Sercan Ülker: Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use, University of Stuttgart, 70565 Stuttgart, Germany
Ralph Schelle: Institute of Energy Economics and Rational Energy Use, University of Stuttgart, 70565 Stuttgart, Germany

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-11

Abstract: The compressed air electric ratio (CAER) describes the ratio of the real electric power demand to the nominal mechanical power of an air compressor. The CAER is an important indicator as the electric power demand of air compressors varies throughout its operation dependent on compressor technology, pressure ratio, and free air delivery. The nameplate power of the compressor drive motor is not sufficient for evaluating the electric power demand; therefore, the CAER plays an important role in assessing the electric operating power demand. In this paper, results from measurements of fixed speed and variable speed (VFD) compressors are presented with the analysis of key influencing factors of the CAER. The data show that the pressure ratio of operating pressure to the maximum design outlet pressure has the largest impact on the CAER. For VFD compressors, the CAER is represented as a linear function dependent on the respective load. Fixed and variable speed compressors’ CAERs are always dependent on the load condition. In idle condition, the CAER was measured to be 0.2. In full load condition with a pressure ratio of 0.6, the CAER averages at a value of 0.87, meaning a 90 kW compressor at 0.6 pressure ratio draws 78.3 kW electric power.

Keywords: air compressor; electric motor; energy efficiency measures (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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