As the world faces a climate crisis, sustainability is at the forefront of many businesses’ minds and is quickly becoming a priority. In an effort to operate more sustainably, these companies are reviewing all the equipment they use. Mobile air compressors are one of the key pieces of equipment in many applications, such as construction sites, that can have a significant impact on sustainable operations. So how can job sites operate with outstanding efficiency to improve sustainability?
1. Make sure the equipment complies with environmental regulations
Traditional air compressors typically use diesel to power their engines. However, this fossil fuel causes pollution and leads to a number of health problems. In addition, diesel engines are not very efficient: for every joule of energy input, only 40% is obtained.
Governments around the world have recognized the adverse effects of diesel and have introduced increasingly stringent regulations aimed at reducing emissions from machinery, road and off-road vehicles. In Europe, for example, the Stage V emissions standard sets limits for particle number emissions. Emission regulations also require the use of diesel particulate filters and aftertreatment systems. If engine-driven air compressors are still required on site, make sure they comply with the new regulations.
2. Check the efficiency features of the equipment
Modern equipment is designed with energy efficiency in mind and optimizes fuel consumption. Choose equipment with high energy efficiency features. For example, some air compressors include optimization technologies such as automatic start-stop systems (like the start-stop system in your car). When there is no demand for air, the onboard controller software ensures that the engine speed is reduced or even shut down to save fuel. When air demand returns, the engine automatically restarts so operators can continue to work seamlessly.
3. Consider fuel options
Look at the engine inside the compressor to determine what fuel it requires. Some mobile diesel compressors can instantly become carbon-free simply by changing the fuel. For example, some Stage V engines are certified to run on biodiesel (hydrotreated vegetable oil). This fossil-free fuel is made from recycled vegetable oils and greases and burns cleaner than regular diesel.
4. Choose an electric mobile compressor
If site and application conditions allow, use electric compressors because they have higher efficiency ratings (up to 90% output shaft efficiency) and ensure excellent sustainability. They are more compact, quieter, and emit less heat. In addition, electric compressors cost much less to operate than diesel compressors, and the motors last longer. When connected to the grid, this compressor has a continuous supply of compressed air and does not require refueling.
5. Use variable speed drives
If compressed air demand fluctuates, variable speed drive (VSD) compressors can help improve sustainability by allowing construction sites to operate more efficiently. VSD compressors automatically adjust the motor speed based on compressed air demand, allowing operators to save more energy and associated costs.
Another benefit of VSD compressors is that operators can future-proof their investment. VSD compressors can be powered by modern lithium batteries or by emerging fuel cell technology.
6. Learn about battery-powered compressors
If there is no power source available, consider battery power. When air consumption is moderate and the work can be performed by a small electric motor, lithium battery-powered compressors allow operators to operate more sustainably. Analysis of compressor user data shows that in actual operations, compressors in construction applications only run a few hours per day under variable to low load conditions. Therefore, a small electric drive compressor can easily be powered by a battery pack throughout the workday.
In addition, using battery-powered compressors means contractors can bid for projects in low-emission zones or carbon-neutral infrastructure projects subsidized by certain governments.
7. Embrace hybrid mode
With current battery technology, hybrid mode generally strikes the right balance between sustainability and practicality. In a hybrid configuration, the engine, motor and battery are combined. They usually operate with an electric compressor connected to the grid or battery pack to handle the base load and a diesel compressor to handle the high load. Electric compressors typically cost half as much to operate as diesel compressors, so this configuration is a big benefit to operators and the environment.
Battery-powered compressors are expected to be an early all-in-one hybrid solution. These compressors have the flexibility to use on-site electricity to meet peak demand, and when charging, they switch to battery-powered remote operations.
Working towards a sustainable future
As world leaders pledge to reduce carbon emissions, construction companies and those in the supply chain are also setting targets. For example, Atlas Copco Mobile Air aims to be carbon neutral across all its operations by 2030. The division will also reduce carbon emissions generated when its products are used and will offer CO2-neutral alternatives for every application of its solutions globally.
It’s an exciting time for the industry, and by specifying the right equipment, there are many sustainability benefits to be gained. Those who want to achieve operational success and improve their sustainability can choose greener options to power their compressors, whether that’s using synthetic fuels, fossil-free fuels or electricity.
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