Abstract

Compressed air systems (CASs), as one of the most important energy carriers in the industry, are targeted as a field full of possibilities for energy savings. Average electricity consumption of the CASs in Serbia is estimated to be 8% of the overall electricity consumption in the industry. This data was obtained based on the share of the amount of electricity consumed in the production of compressed air in the overall energy electrical energy consumption in the polled companies. Although this percentage is low compared to the values reported for some other countries, this does not mean that the CASs in Serbia are more efficient. This low percentage is a consequence of the low price and high energy intensity of electricity in Serbia, so that the portion of wasted energy is much higher than the average in developed countries. The present paper describes the state of CASs in Serbia and relates it to that in some other countries, highlighting some of the most frequent and most significant issues. Besides, the recommendations are given on potential savings, which are estimated to amount to at least € 8.07 million per year. To achieve this, it would be necessary to raise the awareness of the employees of the importance of saving energy and implement a national program of energy efficiency in CASs.

Key words: Compressed air system optimization; energy efficiency; energy consumption.