Energy Analysis of Precooling Air Compressor System
Yu Hu1,2, Weiqing Xu1,2, Guanwei Jia3
1School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2022
Summary
Pre-cooling air compressor systems offer significant energy savings for net zero carbon emissions. This study demonstrates their feasibility and economic viability, increasing efficiency by up to 2%.
Area of Science:
- Engineering
- Energy Systems
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Industrial air compressor systems are major energy consumers.
- Energy saving is crucial for achieving net zero carbon emissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the energy efficiency and feasibility of a pre-cooling air compressor system.
- To investigate the impact of environmental factors on system performance.
- To verify the technical and economic viability through a pilot project.
Main Methods:
- Proposed a pre-cooling air compressor system.
- Analyzed energy efficiency considering additional cooling energy consumption.
- Evaluated system applicability based on environmental temperature and humidity.
- Conducted a pilot project for verification.
Main Results:
- The pre-cooling air compressor system's efficiency is influenced by ambient temperature and humidity.
- A pilot project showed an approximate 2% increase in the annual pneumatic-electrical ratio at a 2°C pre-cooling temperature in China.
- The system demonstrated technical feasibility and economic benefits.
Conclusions:
- The pre-cooling air compressor system is a viable method for industrial energy saving.
- The system's effectiveness varies with regional climate and seasons.
- Further implementation can contribute to net zero carbon emission goals.
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