Atlas Copco is introducing the Carbon Zero range of air compressors equipped with advanced heat recovery systems. Capable of recovering 100 percent of the electrical energy input for heating water, these compressors are designed to dramatically reduce energy costs for a number of industries. According to the company, the compressors are the first in the world to be certified by the TÜV institute as having “net zero energy consumption” at specific design conditions.
Energy savings in compressed air systems are important because energy consumption typically represents more than 80 percent of a compressor’s lifecycle cost. While compressed air systems on average account for about 10 percent of industrial electricity consumption, it can be as high as 40 percent of a plant’s electricity bill. For this reason, Atlas Copco has been innovating for energy-efficient compressed air solutions for many years.
“We are very pleased to offer our customers a compressed air solution that can recover 100 percent of the input energy,” said Stephan Kuhn, president of Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area. “Today our customers face stringent targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The Carbon Zero compressor will have significant impact towards preserving the environment and also on our customers’ bottom line.”
Most industries can make use of hot water for space heating, showers and other such applications. The ‘Carbon Zero’ compressors will provide the most significant cost savings for industries using a great deal of hot water and steam in their processes, such as food and beverage, pulp and paper, chemicals and power plants. In some cases they will even make it possible to eliminate one source of carbon dioxide emissions from factories.
The TÜV institute (German Technical Monitoring Association) earlier this year supervised tests by Atlas Copco’s oil-free screw compressor series ZR 55 – 750, equipped with built-in energy recovery systems. The tests demonstrated that under specific design conditions, 100 percent of the electric energy consumed could be recovered for heating water. For more information, visit http://www.carbonzerocompressors.com.
Atlas Copco is an international provider of industrial productivity solutions. Its products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment, generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly systems, to related aftermarket and rental.
