Industrial plants have long used sensors and gauges to monitor and record data critical to plant operation. Sensors were installed permanently and integrated with complex SCATA, MODBUS and other plant-wide systems using computer servers and control rooms for monitoring. These systems provide critical data. However, after the system is installed, adding additional sensors for secondary energy analysis or troubleshooting of smaller systems, such as compressed air systems, can be cost-prohibitive.
Yearly energy reduction quotas drive utilities, plant, and energy managers to continue to reduce energy consumption in all areas. A frequent question asked is, “Where can we find more energy savings once we have a VFD compressor and we have fixed all our leaks?”
In many parts of the country—and especially the Pacific Northwest—interest has surged in completing energy-saving compressed air system upgrades. The financial assistance from incentive programs, combined with the falling costs of efficiency-increasing technology, has made these projects very attractive to all those involved. The benefits for society, power companies and customers are immense.
