Introduction
The industrial sector is one of the most prominent energy consumers in the Philippines. In 2020, the Department of Energy calculated that factories in Luzon had an average power generation by grid of 72,419 gigawatt-hours (GWh) while those in Visayas and Mindanao had 15,485 GWh and 13,852 GWh, respectively.
To make your facility more energy-efficient and less expensive to run, you need to reduce the energy utilization on your production floor. This is where Compresstech Resources can help you. We have a team of industry professionals who can provide you with energy solutions in the Philippines.
As a recognized systems integrator for Danfoss, we can assist you in implementing, planning, coordinating, scheduling, testing, improving, and maintain new systems. You can be sure that we will constantly touch base with you so that everything is according to your needs and preferences.
What Costs Do You Consider if You Want To Get Compressed Air?
Compressed air is used in various industries. It acts as an energy source for different tools and machinery and is usually a vital and well-integrated part of many production processes.
As an industrial factory manager or supervisor, you need to consider a few things if you want to use compressed air. Here are the factors you need to appraise if you’re planning your budget:
Equipment and Installation
Buying an air compressor is one of the most significant upfront expenses. It is vital to note that the type of air compressor you need heavily affects its value since rotary and reciprocating compressors have different prices. Aside from the equipment, you need to take a look at installation costs. Your building may need renovations to accommodate your new compressor.
Maintenance
Energy Star stated that maintenance makes up about 12% of an air compressor’s lifetime cost. From labor to replacement materials, you are expected to regularly spend a specific amount to ensure that your machine is in optimum condition.
To lower your costs and decrease repairs, you should schedule inspections to help you avoid more expensive damages down the road. You should also regularly lubricate your equipment to reduce the likelihood of damaged rings, cylinders, and bearings.
Electricity or Gasoline Expenditures
Operating an air compressor is proven to be more expensive than purchasing one, contributing to an average of 76% of your machine’s overall costs. Various factors impact the amount of energy a compressed air system uses, including how long you run the machine as well as the cost of electricity or gasoline in your area.
When working with Compresstech Resources, you can expect our team of professionals to go through all these factors during your scheduled energy consultation. We want to be as transparent as possible with our clients, which is why we go through each one to determine your current expenses and figure out how to lessen them without affecting the quality of the final output. Get in touch with us today for more information.
How Do You Calculate Your Compressed Air Costs?
Computing how much your compressed air costs helps you properly budget your company’s funds. To figure out your expenses, follow these steps:
Determine How Long the Compressor Is On
Depending on what you’re using it for, compressors cycle on and off throughout the day. Use a stopwatch or a clock to determine how long your machine runs in one day. Since its use can differ daily, you can get an accurate estimate by calculating the compressor’s use in a week.
Calculate How Much Power the Compressor Consumes
Air compressors usually have a wattage rating stamped on their nameplate. Multiply the wattage by the type of current needed to operate the machine. Most smaller compressors operate at 110 volts, while larger ones may need a current of up to 220 volts. For example, 20-amp air compressor x 110 volts = 2,750 watts per hour.
Find the Total Kilowatt-Hours Used
This step is vital to know your total energy costs. To find the kilowatt-hours, multiply the watts per hour by the total amount of time the compressor runs. Afterward, divide this number by 1,000. For example, (2,750 watts per hour x 3 hours) / 1,000 = 8.25 kilowatt-hours. This means that a 10-amp air compressor that runs for three hours will use 3.3 kilowatt-hours of electricity.
Multiply the Kilowatt-Hours Used by Cost of Electricity
Utility companies usually charge by the kilowatt-hour. To learn how much you need to pay, you need to multiply the total kilowatt-hours used by the electricity rate per kilowatt-hour. Using an average rate is recommended if your service provider uses tiered rates. For example, 8.25 kilowatt-hours x Php 8.5920 = Php 70.884 for 3 hours of usage. This may seem small now, but operating various machines at a time, along with the use of other electrical appliances and equipment, can greatly affect your monthly bill.
If you’re having difficulty figuring out how much your compressed air costs, worry not because Compresstech Resources can help you. Our team can supply you with high-quality air compressors and provide you with well-thought-out energy solutions in the Philippines. Reach out to us today to learn more.
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Energy Consumption?
There are various things you can do to reduce your energy consumption. This includes:
• Cleaning and changing your air filters regularly
• Ensuring that your machine runs at required pressures and not beyond them
• Fixing existing leaks and actively preventing new ones
• Following proper maintenance procedures
• Periodically adjusting your condensate drains
• Turning off your compressor during idle periods
• Using cooler supply air
However, these steps may be challenging to do manually. Since air compressors make up a significant percentage of total energy use in a facility, here is a list of energy solutions in the Philippines you can invest in to help you lower your gas or electricity consumption:
Control Management System
Energair’s control management system energy solutions in the Philippines can help you reduce your costs and your carbon emissions. It can improve the efficiency and durability of your machine while guaranteeing safe work for both the compressor and its operators.
Dew Point Monitor
Our SUTO-iTEC’s dew point monitor in the Philippines indicates the air temperature at which the water contained in the air will condense. If you use stable dew point measurement devices, you’ll also avoid overdrying compressed air and corroding your equipment.
Display and Data Logger
Using our SUTO-iTEC’s display and data logger, you can visualize the measurement data on-site, such as flow, water consumption, pressure, temperature, humidity, and more. Logging all your meters can help you get your system under control.
Variable Frequency Drive
This type of controller drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage of its power supply. A variable frequency drive can also control ramp-up and ramp-down of the motor during start or stop.
CMC Visualization
Ingersoll Rand’s CMC Visualization can help you monitor critical system and equipment parameters, view individual compressors’ operational status, and alert you of any alert messages. No special software is required. All you need is a standard web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome.
Leak Detector for Pneumatic System
Escaped air wastes around 20% to 30% of a compressor’s output. However, proactive monitoring using a detector can reduce leaks to less than 10% of the compressor output. This device utilizes an ultrasonic acoustic sensor to recognize the high-frequency hissing sounds associated with air leaks.
Soft Starter
Soft starters progressively increase the motor speed from zero to accelerate the load to specific speeds without causing torque or current peaks.
Line Reactor
This inductor absorbs high voltage microsecond transients that can damage your facility’s variable frequency drives (VFD). Additionally, line reactors increase system reliability since they act as a buffer between solid-state power circuits and the line or motor.
Portable Compressed Air Analyzer
Aside from being modular and time-efficient to use, a portable compressed air analyzer can accurately measure dew point and humidity, particle counts, temperature, pressure, and oil vapor. It is also vital for some industries, such as food and beverage, to know the compressed air’s particle concentration and humidity levels during the point of use.
If you have any questions regarding these devices, feel free to contact our professionals at Compresstech Resources. We can help you figure out which item is the best fit for your facility.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Air Compressor Accessories?
Investing in energy solutions in the Philippines will benefit you in the long run because of the following reasons:
Lower Costs
Using the needed tools to optimize your air compressor’s performance helps reduce your costs every month. Aside from lowering your energy bill, these devices can show you what parts you need to replace or repair before your machine becomes irreparable due to further damage.
More Efficient System
To ensure air compressor efficiency, you need to examine your entire system, including your supply lines, air storage tanks, air dryers, receivers, and aftercoolers. These tools can help make your job easier by showing you an overview of your entire structure and providing you with statistics.
Reduced Carbon Emissions
The industrial sector is often viewed as part of the problem in the fight against climate change. Air compressors can be commonly seen in most facilities, and to run the engines of these machines, one would need electricity or gas—both of which increase the overall carbon footprint.
By upgrading to more efficient equipment and purchasing devices that can match your output with your demands, you can ensure that you aren’t producing too much or too little compressed air.
Conclusion
You need to consider various things before getting an air compressor, including the amount you’ll need to spend on labor costs for installation, maintenance, and repair. However, one of the most significant contributors to your expenses would be the air compressor’s constant electricity or gasoline consumption.
Choosing to make your facility more energy efficient is a big step to make. However, it will definitely be worth it in the end as it will eventually lower your costs, reduce your carbon emissions, and create a more efficient system for you to utilize.
Whether you’re looking for control management system energy solutions in the Philippines or dew point monitors in the Philippines, Compresstech Resources has you covered. With more than 34 years of experience in the industry, our team can offer you a range of devices to choose from that can help you optimize your air compressor.
If you’re unsure what accessory to get for your device, then don’t worry! We can help provide you with a reliable energy solution in the Philippines that’s made specifically for your needs. Get in touch with us today for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!