Whether you operate rotary screw compressors, boosters or blowers - all of these technologies convert almost 100% of the electrical drive energy supplied to them into heat. Whilst 2% of the energy input remains in the compressed air and another 2% is dissipated into the ambient surroundings, approximately 96% of the energy input can be theoretically recovered for reuse!
The answer is actually quite simple and perhaps surprising. During the compression process, the compressor converts electrical drive energy into heat energy. At the same time, it charges the intake air with energy potential. This corresponds to approximately 25% of the compressor’s electrical power consumption. However, this energy only becomes usable when the compressed air expands again at its point of consumption and, in doing so, absorbs heat energy from the ambient surroundings. Of course, the amount of energy available for reuse depends on the pressure and leakage losses within the compressed air system.
As self-contained complete systems, modern rotary screw compressors, boosters and blowers are especially well suited for heat recovery systems. Neighbouring spaces can be heated simply and effectively via exhaust air ducting. When the recovered compressor exhaust heat is being used for space heating purposes, exhaust air ducting simply feeds the heated cooling air to wherever it is needed, thereby allowing such spaces as storage areas or workshops to be heated free of charge. A ventilation flap allows the heated cooling air to be conveyed outside during summer operation or to the areas that require heating during winter operation.
PTG plate-type heat exchangers are used for standard applications using heat recovery systems for the production of hot water and service water. Special, fail-safe heat exchangers are used in the case of operations without an interconnected water circuit, or for applications with the highest demands of purity for the heated water, such as with cleaning water in the food industry. Up to 76% of the electrical power originally supplied to a compressor can be recovered for use in hot water heating systems and service water installations.
Heat recovery process for potable water applications (only possible in conjunction with special, safety heat exchanger).
Heat recovery is a smart way to reduce your energy costs by putting to work heat that is being made by compressors, boosters or blowers that would otherwise simply disappear into thin air. Not only can it reduce your primary energy consumption, but it can also significantly improve your overall energy balance. And, by reducing your energy costs you are not only saving money but also reducing your carbon footprint - good for the bottom line and good for the environment.