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Interview with AI on compressed air savings

Can artificial intelligence replace an auditor yet? Or a flow meter salesperson? Out of curiosity, Pascal van Putten - VPInstruments CEO, asked some questions twice, but on different days. And it seems that the algorithm has been learning some new stuff in the mean time.

I recently read an article in a local newspaper -interview style- entirely written by AI. So I thought, cool! Let’s try this out for one of my favorite subjects… compressed air energy savings. Can it replace an auditor yet? Or a flow meter salesperson? The next part is a one-on-one transcript with only minor rewrites. Out of curiosity, I asked some questions twice, but on a different day. And it seems that the algorithm has been learning some new stuff in the meantime.

Enjoy reading. And if you want to try it yourself, go to openai.com, create an account and play around. Also great for your kids if they need to write an essay.

Hi, I am Pascal van Putten and work in the field of compressed air energy savings. Can I ask you a few questions about this subject?

Of course, Pascal! I’d be happy to help you with any questions you have about compressed air energy savings. Compressed air systems can be a significant energy consumer in many industrial settings, so finding ways to save energy can have a big impact on a company’s bottom line. What specific questions do you have about compressed air energy savings?

How can I save energy in compressed air systems? (asked in early December)

1.     Optimize system pressure: Make sure that the system pressure is set to the minimum pressure required for the end-use application. Higher pressure means higher energy consumption.

2.     Fix leaks: Leaks can be a major source of wasted energy in compressed air systems. Repairing or replacing faulty components can help reduce energy consumption.

3.     Use variable frequency drives (VFDs): VFDs allow you to control the speed of the compressor motor, which can help reduce energy consumption by matching the compressor’s output to the demand for compressed air.

4.     Install an air dryer: Removing moisture from a compressed air can help reduce the load on the compressor and improve the efficiency of the system.

5.     Use energy-efficient compressors: Look for compressors that are designed to be energy-efficient, such as those that use variable speed drives or that have high energy efficiency ratings.

6.     Install a demand-controlled system: A demand-controlled system adjusts the compressor’s output based on the demand for compressed air, which can help reduce energy consumption when demand is low.

7.     Use compressed air only when necessary: Make sure that compressed air is only used when it is the most appropriate and efficient power source for the task.

Compressed air savings: the low hanging fruit

Don’t let your money run out every day from the compressed air leakages. In this webinar, VPInstruments discusses the best practice to define and manage your compressed air leakages.

How can I save energy in compressed air systems? (asked December 19th)

  1. Properly sizing the compressor: It’s important to have a compressor that is sized correctly for the demand of the system. An undersized compressor will have to work harder to meet the demand, while an oversized compressor will consume more energy than necessary.
  2. Using variable speed drives: A variable speed drive (VSD) allows the compressor to adjust its speed to match the demand of the system, rather than running at full speed all the time. This can result in significant energy savings.
  3. Maintaining the system: Regular maintenance, such as replacing worn parts and cleaning filters, can help the compressor run more efficiently and reduce energy consumption.
  4. Using energy-efficient equipment: Choosing energy-efficient equipment, such as air dryers and filters, can help reduce energy consumption in the compressed air system.
  5. Implementing energy management practices: Implementing energy management practices, such as turning off equipment when not in use and using timers or pressure switches to control equipment, can also help reduce energy consumption in compressed air systems.
  6. Conducting a compressed air audit: A compressed air audit can help identify potential areas for energy savings and provide recommendations for improving the efficiency of the system.

Are you sure that VFDs will help save compressed air? (asked in early December)

Yes, using a variable frequency drive (VFD) can help save energy in a compressed air system. A VFD allows you to control the speed of the compressor motor, which can help reduce energy consumption by matching the compressor’s output to the demand for compressed air.

For example, if the demand for compressed air decreases, the VFD can slow down the compressor motor, reducing the amount of energy used to produce the compressed air. This can help save energy and reduce costs.

It’s important to note that VFDs are most effective in systems with varying or fluctuating demand for compressed air. If the demand for compressed air is constant or relatively stable, a VFD may not provide significant energy savings.

In addition to using a VFD, there are several other measures that can help save energy in a compressed air system, such as optimizing system pressure, fixing leaks, using energy-efficient compressors, and installing a demand-controlled system. Implementing a combination of these measures can help achieve the greatest energy savings.

Save money with compressed air savings

Compressed air is an expensive utility in your manufacturing plant. We provide you with ten tips on how to lower compressed air consumption and thereby save energy.

Are you sure that VFDs will help saving compressed air? (asked December 21st)

Yes, using a variable frequency drive (VFD) on a compressor can help save energy in a compressed air system. A VFD allows the compressor to adjust its speed to match the demand of the system, rather than running at full speed all the time. This can result in significant energy savings, as the compressor only uses the energy necessary to meet the demand.

It’s important to note that a VFD should be used in conjunction with a properly sized compressor to achieve the maximum energy savings. If the compressor is oversized for the system, a VFD may not result in significant energy savings.

Additionally, using a VFD can also help improve the overall efficiency of the compressed air system by reducing the pressure drop and maintaining a more stable pressure, which can lead to further energy savings.

What about using a flow meter? Does it bring any savings?

Using a flow meter to measure the flow of compressed air in a system can be an effective way to identify opportunities for energy savings. By measuring the actual flow of compressed air, you can determine if the system is operating at peak efficiency or if there are areas where air is being wasted.

For example, if the flow meter indicates that the system is producing more compressed air than is needed, it may be possible to reduce the size of the compressor or adjust the system’s pressure settings to save energy. Similarly, if the flow meter shows that there are leaks in the system, repairing those leaks can help reduce energy consumption by eliminating the need to constantly produce additional compressed air to make up for the leaks.

Overall, using a flow meter can be a useful tool in identifying opportunities for energy savings in a compressed air system.

The VPFlowScope flow meters are suitable for the measurement of compressed airnitrogenCO2oxygenheliumargon and other industrial gases. The VPFlowScope Flow Meters all measure four principles in one: mass flow, pressure, temperature, and total flow.

Should I measure flow and pressure together?

It can be beneficial to measure both flow and pressure in a compressed air system to get a complete picture of how the system is operating and identify opportunities for energy savings.

Measuring flow can help you determine if the system is producing more compressed air than is needed, while measuring pressure can help you identify if the system is operating at an optimal pressure range. If the system is operating at a pressure that is too high or too low, it can result in energy waste and reduced system efficiency.

By measuring both flow and pressure, you can get a more complete understanding of how the system is functioning and identify any areas where adjustments can be made to improve efficiency and save energy. For example, if the flow is high but the pressure is low, it may be possible to reduce the size of the compressor or adjust the system’s pressure settings to save energy. Similarly, if the pressure is high but the flow is low, it may indicate that there are leaks in the system that should be repaired.

Overall, measuring both flow and pressure can be a useful tool in identifying opportunities for energy savings in a compressed air system.

How does the future look for compressed air systems?

To this end, there are several trends that are likely to shape the future of compressed air systems:

  1. Increased use of energy-efficient technologies: As energy costs continue to rise, there will be a greater focus on using energy-efficient technologies, such as variable speed drives (VSDs), to improve the efficiency of compressed air systems.
  2. Adoption of digital technologies: The use of digital technologies, such as sensors, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), is likely to become more widespread in compressed air systems. These technologies can help improve system performance and energy efficiency by providing real-time data on system performance and enabling remote monitoring and control.
  3. Greater use of renewable energy sources: As the demand for renewable energy increases, it is likely that compressed air systems will increasingly be powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power.
  4. Growing awareness of the environmental impact of compressed air systems: As the impact of climate change becomes more apparent, there will be a greater focus on reducing the environmental impact of compressed air systems. This may involve the adoption of more sustainable technologies, such as energy-efficient compressors and air treatment equipment, and the use of renewable energy sources to power compressed air systems.

Overall, the future looks bright for compressed air systems, as advances in technology and a growing awareness of the need to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions will drive the development of more efficient and sustainable systems.

Mr. Hakan Yigittas
Mr. Hakan Yigittas

To gain perspective about four compressed air trends you need to watch out for in the next five years, we got in touch with compressed air specialist Hakan Yigittas, owner of Turkish company Yigittaslar Endustriyel Filtrasyon Ve Basincli. 

How does the future look for compressed air systems?

To this end, there are several trends that are likely to shape the future of compressed air systems:

  1. Increased use of energy-efficient technologies: As energy costs continue to rise, there will be a greater focus on using energy-efficient technologies, such as variable speed drives (VSDs), to improve the efficiency of compressed air systems.
  2. Adoption of digital technologies: The use of digital technologies, such as sensors, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), is likely to become more widespread in compressed air systems. These technologies can help improve system performance and energy efficiency by providing real-time data on system performance and enabling remote monitoring and control.
  3. Greater use of renewable energy sources: As the demand for renewable energy increases, it is likely that compressed air systems will increasingly be powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power.
  4. Growing awareness of the environmental impact of compressed air systems: As the impact of climate change becomes more apparent, there will be a greater focus on reducing the environmental impact of compressed air systems. This may involve the adoption of more sustainable technologies, such as energy-efficient compressors and air treatment equipment, and the use of renewable energy sources to power compressed air systems.

Overall, the future looks bright for compressed air systems, as advances in technology and a growing awareness of the need to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions will drive the development of more efficient and sustainable systems.

Sell me a compressed air flow meter

Sure! A compressed air flow meter is a device that measures the flow rate of compressed air in a system. It is an essential tool for monitoring and controlling the use of compressed air in various industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

There are several benefits to using a compressed air flow meter:

  1. Energy savings: By accurately measuring the flow of compressed air, you can optimize your system for maximum efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
  2. Cost savings: By monitoring your compressed air usage, you can identify and eliminate unnecessary air leaks, which can save you money on energy costs.
  3. Improved system performance: A compressed air flow meter can help you identify problems with your system, such as air leaks or faulty equipment, which can affect the performance of your system.
  4. Enhanced safety: By monitoring the flow of compressed air, you can ensure that your system is operating safely and avoid the risk of overpressure or other safety hazards.

Overall, a compressed air flow meter is a valuable investment for any business or organization that relies on compressed air as a power source. It can help you optimize your system, reduce costs, and improve safety.

Can you help me with making a joke about compressed air?

“Why was the compressor feeling depressed?
Because it was feeling pressurized!”

I hope this joke brings a smile to your face. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me anytime. I’ll be happy to help.

Thank you so much for this interview, it was a pleasure. Not sure what your name is, how should I call you next time?

You’re welcome, Pascal! It was my pleasure to help answer your questions about compressed air energy savings. My name is Assistant, and you can feel free to call me whenever you have questions or need help with something. I’m here to assist you with any information or guidance you need. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me anytime. I’ll be happy to help.

As you can see, AI still needs some work to replace real humans when it comes down to compressed air energy savings. But as an innovation leader, we will keep a close eye on these exciting developments! In the meantime feel free to contact us for a real “human” approach to compressed air and other energy savings.

By Pascal van Putten, CEO of VPInstruments.

Webinar: Compressed air – No time to waste

Wondering what compressed air measurements can mean for you? Find the answer in this webinar, where we covered all benefits of compressed air monitoring including energy savings, maintenance management and how ISO 50001 is related.