The Compressed Air Standard Protocol establishes methods for estimating the energy savings due to compressed air system retrofit and upgrade projects. Five types of measure applications are included in the protocol:
- Compressor: installation of variable speed controlled, rotary screw, oil-flooded compressors (retrofit or upgrade). System must be a single compressor system.
- Demand reductions: from the removal or replacement of equipment (but not from leak reduction)
- Pressure reduction (retrofit): permanent pressure reduction at the compressor through the installation of low pressure drop devices and/or system modifications
- Receiver: size increases (retrofits) with a volume of at least 3 gallons/scfm
- Air dryers: installation of cycling refrigerated air dryers or efficient desiccant dryers (retrofit or upgrade)
Estimation methods in the Protocol are based on an engineering model of energy consumption, using parameter inputs informed by the Compressed Air Challenge program documentation and regional expertise. Ex ante methods in the Protocol rely on practitioner estimates of hours of use and demand profile. Ex post methods require metering to determine hours of use and demand profile.
In addition to the Protocol document, a Calculator is provided, which can be used to implement the methods of the Protocol, including the estimation of the current practice baseline for upgrade applications.
