Definition of compressed air requirements
Inspection of compressed air system
- Assessment of the existing compressed air system based on the “4-step guide to compressed air system optimization”
- Identification of the type of system and peripherals currently in place
- Verification of whether the system is regularly inspected
- Analysis of whether the use of compressed air can be replaced by another carrier (e.g. electric tools)
Re-evaluation of compressed air applications
- Given the very high cost of using compressed air, it is advisable before any optimisation to determine whether compressed air is the best way to perform this task.
- Reduce network pressure as far as possible according to compressed air requirements (temporary reduction possible depending on requirements) Identify and eliminate leaks in the existing system.
To take your compressed air optimisation project a step further
The main tasks of a consulting engineering office (technical process specialist) within the scope of compressed air system optimisation are as follows:
- carry out an inventory of compressed air infrastructure
- analyse energy consumption in relation to compressed air production
- check for leaks in the network, particularly at consumer connections.
Implementation of compressed air optimisation measures
Appointment of a compressed air delegate within the company
The responsibility for compressed air is delegated to a designated employee within the company. This person’s role is to keep an eye on the compressed air equipment and is responsible for ensuring that it is continuously inspected.
Control of compressed air system
- Minimize air leaks, plan regular checks, e.g. once a week, using the guide “Les fuites d’air comprimé vous coûtent cher”(Costly air leaks).
- Consider using a leak detector
- Regular maintenance
- Organise periodic inspections (to be carried out by an approved body).
- Optimise the installation with the conclusions of the inspection reports .
Setting the correct compressed air pressure level
Each compressed air consumer and compressor is designed to operate at a specific pressure. It’s a question of finding the right balance between production, the network (with its load losses) and the various consumers.
Implementation of best practices for compressed air system use
- Raising awareness among employees who use compressed air
- Adapt operating times to work schedules, e.g. overnight or weekend shutdowns, temporary shutdowns, etc.
Waste heat recovery:
Renewing the system is an ideal opportunity to check whether waste heat can be used. The heat recovered can be used to heat domestic hot water or premises. The use of waste heat with a heat exchanger is generally economical if the compressor size is 15 kW or larger. If conditions are ideal, heat recovery can also make sense with smaller compressors.
The following points should be clarified:
- Can waste heat from the compressed air system be used for warm-air heating in winter?
- Can you combine a heat exchanger with the installation (used to support heating, domestic hot water production or process heat)?
- Does it make economic sense to use waste heat?
- Can I remove waste heat from the compressor when it’s not in use (in summer)?
- Is the system still fit for purpose and efficient enough (installation of a new compressed air system)?
Good to know
Small investments can save even more energy:
- Add an automatic trigger system
- Installing pressure-reducing valves
- Replace timed condensate traps
- Equip permanent consumers with solenoid valves
- Replace old fittings with low-loss materials
Subsidy application
Please note: any application for government or non-government subsidies must comply with the “incentive effect”, subject to compliance with the subsidy conditions.
In order to respect the “incentive effect”, no binding commitment (signing a quotation; paying a deposit) may be made BEFORE having received the agreement in principle from the State or the electricity and natural gas supplier following an application for subsidy.
Government subsidies
- SME Packages – Sustainability
- Financial Aid for small and medium-sized enterprises covering up to 70% of eligible costs for the implementation of a project aimed at reducing the environmental impact. The eligible project budget must be in a range from 3.000 € to 25.000 € excl. VAT.
- For more information:
- SME scheme – Consultancy subsidies
N.B. Government subsidies cannot be combined for the same project.
Assistance from electricity and natural gas suppliers for compressed air systems
Since 2015, natural gas and electricity suppliers have been obliged to deliver energy savings to consumers as part of the obligation mechanism. Since then, energy suppliers have been offering support and advisory services, as well as assistance programs for consumers to implement energy efficiency measures.
The following suppliers offer this service to businesses:
N.B.: Subsidies from suppliers can be combined with state subsidies for the same project.
The tax relief is calculated based on the investments and operating expenses incurred as part of an ecological and energy transition project.
The tax relief rate is set at 18% and is applied directly to the amount of tax due.
This deduction can be combined with standard state subsidies.
For the project to be eligible, it must meet at least one of the following objectives:
- Improve the energy efficiency of a production process
- Improve the material efficiency of a production process
- Decarbonise a production process
- Reduce air pollution at the production site (excluding CO2 emissions)
- Produce or store renewable energy for self-consumption
- Promote the extended use of products through reuse
For certain objectives, minimum thresholds must be met.
To verify your eligibility and ensure that these thresholds are satisfied, it is recommended that the impact of the measure on one of the above conditions be certified by an expert or a design office.
Further details and conditions: Guichet.lu
For questions: Ministry of Economy – Bonus
This type of project may be eligible, provided that the implemented project relates to the company’s main economic activity, the eligibility thresholds are met, and that all other criteria set out in Article 152bis L.I.R. are complied with.
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