What it measures
Specific power relates electrical input to delivered air flow. A single full-load figure from a data sheet is only part of the picture, because most compressors spend much of their time at part load, unloaded or idling, where efficiency is different.
What we need to measure
A proper assessment records:
- Electrical power, with the measurement boundary stated
- Delivered air flow, with its reference conditions
- System pressure at the same time
- Compressor state: loaded, unloaded, idle or stopped
- Duration long enough to include typical load changes
Machine and station
We look at two levels:
- The individual machine across its operating range
- The station as a whole, including auxiliaries such as dryers, fans and pumps, and the way machines share load
Reading the result
The result shows how efficiently air is produced and how much energy goes to unloaded running and part-load operation. It points to controls, sequencing, pressure and maintenance opportunities, and gives a baseline for later comparison.
Conditions that matter
Results depend on pressure, ambient temperature, flow measurement method and load pattern. We record them so that a later measurement can be compared fairly.
Start with
To arrange the work, please share:
- A simple layout or description of the compressor room, treatment and main piping
- Compressor and dryer details and operating pressure settings
- Operating hours, shift pattern and the problem you are seeing
- Any existing readings, trends or previous audit reports
Frequently asked questions
Can I compare my result with the data sheet?
Only on the same basis. Data sheet figures are measured under stated conditions that may differ from yours.
Do I need a flow meter?
Flow can be measured or estimated in different ways. A calibrated measurement gives a more reliable result, and we explain the options.
How do I use the result?
As a baseline: it shows where the energy goes and lets you prove the effect of changes later.