The Significance of Compressed Air in Industry
Compressed air is an essential utility in various industrial applications, Efficiency Heating
Coolingfrom powering machinery to controlling measurement instruments. In Italy, for instance, the air compressors sector accounts for 11% of the total energy consumption in manufacturing, according to a study by the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA). Over the typical 10-year lifespan of a compressor, energy costs can represent 73% of the total cost of ownership (TCO), with this percentage increasing for higher-powered equipment. Astonishingly, 75% of the energy used in air compressor stations is lost as heat, highlighting the potential for significant energy and cost savings through the installation of thermal systems and heat recovery equipment.
Cooling Solutions for Air Compressor Stations
The Role of Evaporative Towers and Heat Exchangers
Air compressor stations, especially in large plants, require effective cooling systems to manage the substantial heat produced during operation. Cooling water, typically at temperatures of 30-40 degrees Celsius, is sufficient for most compressor station cooling systems. Evaporative towers, dissipators, dry coolers, and forced circuit evaporative coolers are commonly used to achieve this.
An evaporative tower is a key component in many cooling solutions for compressed air stations. It cools water that is then used to remove heat from the compressors, either directly on the cylinders or through heat exchangers. These exchangers serve multiple purposes, such as regulating machinery and hydraulic oil temperatures, cooling the intake air for compressors, and functioning as dryers by removing water vapor from the compressed air through condensation.
Plate heat exchangers, in particular, offer a more efficient, cost-effective, and practical solution. They are lighter, easier to install, customizable, and provide a higher thermal transfer rate compared to other types of heat exchangers.