Print Syllabus

Course Syllabus:

Course Title:                                        Improving Compressed Air Systems Part 2

 

Number of Classroom Hours:              1; 1 PDH

Method of Presentation:                     Online Course

Intended Target Group:                       Professional Engineers

 

Provider Information:

Business Name:  Infinity LC DBA On-Line-Classes.com and Engineer Classes.com

Business Address:     801 West Bay Dr. Suite #516

                                     Largo, Fl 33770

Phone Number: 888-405-7849

Email: Contact.OnLineClasses@gmail.com

 

Professional Engineer Licensing Board Approvals

This course is applicable for Professional Engineers in all states with the exception of New York (New York does not permit online classes for continuing education).  There are four Professional Engineer state licensing boards which approve continuing education providers and/or courses. Each of these four states has approved our organization and/or courses and issued the following registration numbers.

 

Florida Board of Professional Engineers: #0005141

Louisiana Professional Engineering & Land Surveying Board: #CPD.0000264

North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors: #S-0597

Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide professional engineers with a thorough understanding of compressed air systems and how to increase efficiency and decrease wasted energy within the system.  The course details pertinent information from the industrial energy efficiency sourcebook, Improving Compressed Air System Performance, developed by the United States Department of Energy. Part 2 of the course details component-level performance opportunities within the major sub-systems of a compressed air system, explains the heat recovery process, teaches how to analyze peak performance and calculate a baseline for system operation, and demonstrates the importance of overall system efficiency in terms of compressed air economics.

 

Course Learning Objectives:

·        To provide a thorough understanding of various component-level performance opportunities within the primary compressed air sub-systems including:

ü                                        Compressors,

ü                                        Prime Movers,

ü                                        Controls,

ü                                        Air Treatment Equipment, and

ü                                        Distribution Sub-Systems.

·        To describe the process of  heat recovery  in air- and water-cooled systems, and illustrate the potential cost savings,

·        To emphasize the importance of tracking system improvements and performance over time by calculating and establishing a baseline for the system, and

·        To review formulae for calculating the amount of leakage occurring in the system and the overall cost of electricity for the entire compressed air system.

 

Course Outline:

Section 1- Component Level Opportunities- Explains the efficiency of multi-stage compressors; Pinpoints the three most common types of compressors (single- and double-acting reciprocating compressors, rotary compressors, and centrifugal compressors); Outlines their optimum applications and the advantages and disadvantages of each type (including operating efficiencies);  Reviews the use of electric motors as the most highly used prime mover and discusses methods of improving motor efficiency; and Pinpoints the use of compressor controls as the most efficient method of controlling part-load application.

Section 2- Air Treatment & Heat Recovery- Evaluates air treatment equipment and accessories for optimum performance; Reviews common types of dryers and their most appropriate applications, including pressure drop and power requirements; Outlines various types of filters and their function; Describes the purpose and optimum location of air receivers;  Pinpoints the components of the air distribution sub-system and its effect on overall efficiency; Explains the heat recovery process and typical economic benefits of utilizing stored heat; and Details how to calculate savings and payback periods for heat recovery units.

Learning Exercise 1

Section 3- Baselining the System- Establishes the purpose of baselining (or benchmarking) a compressed air system; Reviews what measurements are necessary in baselining (Power, Pressure, Flow and Temperature); Pinpoints the required tools for obtaining needed measurements and how to use the data to monitor system improvements over time; and Provides formulae for calculating the amount of leakage occurring in the system.

Learning Exercise 2

Section 4- Compressed Air Economics- Provides a breakdown of the costs associated with compressed air systems; Reviews methods of calculating overall electricity costs of a compressed air system; Pinpoints assumptions and modifications (including how to adjust for part-load application) to custom tailor the equations for calculating electricity consumption; Illustrates the relationship between pressure and energy consumption; and Discusses overall system efficiency and savings in terms of initial equipment selection, implementing system-level improvements, and maintaining peak performance.

Learning Exercise 3

 

Method of Presentation: 

This is an online course that consists of collegiate-style lectures that have been professionally narrated by subject matter experts, animated with relevant graphics and media, and converted to Flash for web delivery to provide licensees with a first-rate learning experience.

 

Evaluation Method:

Licensees will be evaluated on their comprehension of the material covered by administering Three (3) brief learning exercises, interspersed throughout the course, upon which successful completion of each  is required before advancement to the next section is allowed or course credit is earned.  If the licensing board requires the licensee to pass a final examination, course credit will not be earned until the final exam has been completed to the required proficiency level.

 

Author Information:

Author:

The course information provided herein is a component of the sourcebook, Improving Compressed Air System Performance, authored and developed under the United States Department of Energy. The U.S. D.O.E. is striving to ensure “America’s Energy Future, Scientific and Technological Leadership, and Nuclear Security” with a mission of speaking to all sectors of the economy.