Compressed-Air Heat-Recovery Value Calculator

How the compressed-air heat-recovery value calculator works

Potential recovered heat is measured compressor electricity multiplied by the entered recoverable fraction. Coincident heat applies the entered usable-time fraction. The modeled heat actually used is the smaller of that coincident amount and the supplied useful-heat demand. Recovery and demand are assumptions, not automatically calculated equipment performance.

Gross avoided cost multiplies useful recovered kWh by an entered cost per useful kWh. If the displaced price is quoted per fuel-input kWh, convert that boundary consistently before entry. Gross value rounds to cents before the entered recovery operating cost is deducted; no capital cost or financial incentive is implied.

This value scenario does not establish the temperature grade, actual recoverability, contamination compatibility, exchanger design, controls or safe pressure-system operation. It cannot guarantee coincident heat demand or energy savings under the actual compressor control strategy. A negative net value remains visible.

Worked example

Measured compressor electricity of 10,000 kWh at 60% recoverability gives 6,000 potential heat kWh. With 50% coincidence, 3,000 is available and is below the 4,000 demand cap. At 0.10 per useful kWh and zero operating cost, value is 300. At 100% coincidence the demand cap limits use to 4,000 kWh and value is 400.

Sources and assumptions

The source material explains the underlying calculation or pricing structure. Entered prices, costs, schedules and scenario choices are your assumptions; this tool does not obtain supplier quotes or predict actual results.

• CAGI: compressed-air heat recovery and energy costs
• CAGI: compressed-air performance and energy boundaries