Design and application of air power meter in compressed air systems

Discusses pneumatic air power on the basis of an energy transformation analysis of an air compressor and actuator. The work-producing potential of compressed air is proposed to represent the air power, and the definition and calculation of air power are given. Some calculations of air power are also shown in various conditions of air pressure and temperature. Then, a new meter named an "air power meter", which is under patent application, is proposed with the purpose of realizing air energy consumption management and promoting energy-saving activities in factories. The design of the meter, including its measurement method and its configuration, is introduced. It is clear that air power should be measured by obtaining the air pressure, temperature and flow rate. Furthermore, the function of accumulation, dealing with air energy consumption over a period, is also suggested. Lastly, some applications of the air power meter are suggested. By using the air power meter, the monitoring of air energy consumption and its distribution in factories becomes possible and easy. It is expected that the air power meter will play an important role in compressed-air energy-saving activities in factories in the near future.