Compressed Air Pilot Project Results
How Much Money and Energy is Wasted Through Air Leaks?
Funded by a state energy grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, that is the question the IWRC aimed to answer through this 2014 pilot project. Equipped with ultrasonic detection equipment, IWRC environmental specialists conducted 25 audits at small businesses - auto body and manufacturing facilities - throughout Iowa.
IWRC specialists identified and tagged compressed air leaks throughout each facility, documented energy loss and cost savings associated with the leaks and provided corrective action recommendations.
Results
Leaks were identified at all 25 participating businesses. Outcomes showed a range of results depending on type and size of business. While one small body shop had only one leak, 47 leaks were identified at a strutural steel fabricator. While a potential for energy savings and air emission reductions exist, the most valuable outcome for the business is cost savings.
Potential Cost
Savings
Total annual savings for all 25 businesses: $49,748
Average annual savings - $1,990
Potential Energy
Savings
Total annual savings for all 25 business involved in pilot project:
607,815 kWh/year
Potential Air Emission Reductions
Total annual reductions (tons/year): 600 tons/yr of CO2, 0.9 tons/yr of NOx, 1.75 tons/yr of SO2
By extrapolating the results of the Compressed Air Leak Management Pilot Project, the table below shows the cost savings, energy reduction and consequent air emissions reductions that could be achieved by only these 25 businesses.
Potential Future Savings
| Year | Total Energy Avoidance | Estimated Cost Savings | CO2 | NOx | SO2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Year | 607,851 | $49,745 | 1,189,433 | 1,788 | 3,528 |
Fifth Year | 3,039,255 | $248,740 | 5,947,165 | 8,940 | 17,640 |
Tenth Year | 6,078,510 | $497,480 | 11,894,330 | 17,880 | 35,280 |
To download a PDF of the Compressed Air Leak Management program information, results and testimonials, click here.
The Compressed Air Leak Pilot Project was funded by a state energy grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The project was completed during a six-month timeframe throughout 2014.