What if you could save nearly $9,000 in operating costs by switching to a lower kW air compressor? That’s exactly what one packaging and design solutions provider did when they switched from a 37kW fixed speed compressor to a an 11kW variable speed drive compressor.
Too Much Capacity, Not Enough Efficiency
The story starts when the service provider was called on a routine maintenance visit to service the large fixed-speed compressor, which was supplying the 22,000 sq-ft production plant. It found that the unit capacity was greater than necessary and there was potential for significant cost savings by replacing it with a new energy-efficient variable speed drive compressor.
To demonstrate the potential benefits, the service provider carried out a data logging survey and simulation exercise on the compressor installation. This provider also offered the company a one-month free trial with the installation of a new Atlas Copco GA 11 VSD+ FF variable speed drive compressor. The trial proved that the annual operating costs of switching to a more energy efficient machine would result in even greater savings than originally predicted.
Need Help Financing the Upgrade? Look for Local Rebates.
Once the company decided to move forward with the compressor upgrade, they needed a way to finance it. The service provider found a local council that offered approximately $7,600 (up to a maximum of 50 percent of the purchase price) toward capital purchases that provided energy savings and reduced the company’s environmental impact. The council representative carried out an energy and environmental impact audit at the plant and confirmed that the company would qualify for the rebate.
Reducing the Payback Period to Seven Months
Because the old compressor was so inefficient in its electricity usage, the new variable speed drive compressor offered a significant reduction in running costs. With the additional rebate benefit, the final payback was reduced further, to just seven months.
The moral of the story: If the idea of a new machine has come up from your service provider or distributor, don’t just disregard it as a sales pitch. Take a closer look at the proposed savings from lower operating costs and potential local rebates and you may find it’s easier to upgrade than you originally thought.
If you’d like to find out if your facility could benefit from a data logging audit and compressed air system upgrade, simply contact us and a representative will be in touch with you shortly.
