San Jose Mercury News: Compressed Air System Upgrade Increases Efficiency and Saves Energy at a Newspaper Plant

摘要

In August 2004, the San Jose Mercury News, Inc., finished updgrading the compressed air system at its printing facility in San Jose, California. Before the upgrade project, the compressed air system's performance had become erratic and energy costs were on the rise. To improve the system's efficiency and performance, the Mercury News commissioned a system-level evaluation of the compressed air system by Air Perfection, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Allied Partner. The assessment, which included an AirMaster+ analysis, was carried out by an Air Perfection employee who is also a Qualified AIRMaster+ Specialist. The final report provided AIRMaster+ estimates of potential energy savings and a system-level strategy to improve the system. This project resulted in a system with better compressor control, a lower leak load, more stable pressure levels, and improved air treatment. All these added up to better performance as well as energy savings.