Annual Energy Savings - Fixing Leaks in a Compressed Air System

How to use the chart - estimate the total equivelant amount of leaks into a "gap size." Then follow across until you reach the system pressure. This value indicates the estimated amount of energy and dollar savings that is available if this leak is fixed.

Hole Diameter (inches) 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 3/8

120 psi kWh Dollars Saved/Year 1,560 $95.17 6,225 $379.70 24,915 $1,519.79 99,658 $6,079.15 223,822 $13,653.17

110 psi kWh Dollars Saved/Year 1,438 $87.70 5,759 $351.29 23,036 $1,405.18 92,306 $5,630.68 207,485 $12,656.58

100 psi kWh Dollars Saved/Year 1,323 $80.72 5,301 $323.39 21,239 $1,295.56 84,954 $5,182.22 191,148 $11,660.00

90 psi kWh Dollars Saved/Year 1,209 $73.75 4,836 $294.99 19,360 $1,180.95 77,439 $4,723.80 173,993 $10,613.59

Assumptions:

• 4 cfm / horsepower of installed capacity
• Maintaining desired pressure 8,760 hours / year
• Hole diameter indicated is the amount of air leaks that can be fixed or closed
• Electricity costs = $0.061/kWh

Formula:

hp* x .746kW/hp x 8760 hrs./yr. = annual kWh
Note * = 1 hp = approx 4 cfm (find cfm from chart - Compressed Air Flow Volumes for Various Sized Orifices)

For additional information or assistance, contact Kelly Beiermann, Nebraska Public Power District.

Note: We encourage requests from Nebraska customers. Businesses outside of Nebraska will be directed to their utility for further information.

Source: Airometrix Mfg., Inc. 1999-2003