The choice between central and decentralized compressed air generation depends on your company size, air consumption, and facility layout. Central systems are more cost-effective for large companies with high consumption, while decentralized solutions offer more flexibility for smaller operations or distributed locations. Your decision should be based on total ownership costs, future expansion plans, and maintenance requirements.
The Choice Between Central and Decentralized Compressed Air Generation
The decision between central and decentralized compressed air generation forms an important part of your industrial infrastructure. This choice affects not only your energy costs but also the reliability of your production processes.
With central compressed air generation, you produce all compressed air at one location and distribute it through a piping network to various consumption points. Decentralized systems, on the other hand, place smaller compressors directly at the points of use.
Various factors play a role in this decision. Your company size, total air consumption, distribution of consumption points, and your budget determine which solution best fits your situation. Future expansion plans and the availability of technical personnel for maintenance are also important considerations.
What Is the Difference Between Central and Decentralized Compressed Air Generation?
Central compressed air generation concentrates all compressor capacity in one central room or building. One or more large compressors produce compressed air that is transported via a main line and distribution system to all consumption points.
The system operates with coordinated control where multiple compressors can work together to meet demand. Modern control systems determine which compressor is most energy-efficient for the current demand and switch them on or off based on actual flow rate and pressure requirements.
Decentralized compressed air generation places smaller compressors directly at or near the consumption points. Each production line or workplace has its own compressed air supply, eliminating transport through long pipelines.
The technical difference lies primarily in control and distribution. Central systems require advanced control systems that monitor total demand and activate the most efficient compressors. Decentralized systems have simpler controls per unit but miss the benefits of joint optimization.
What Advantages Does a Central Compressed Air System Offer?
Central compressed air systems provide energy efficiency through optimal utilization of compressor capacity. Large compressors typically have higher efficiency than smaller units, resulting in lower energy costs per cubic meter of compressed air produced.
Maintenance is concentrated at one location, which reduces costs and simplifies planning. You need fewer spare parts and can deploy specialist personnel more efficiently. Control and monitoring of the entire system also occurs from one point.
Central systems provide redundancy through multiple compressors. If one unit fails, other compressors can continue production. This significantly increases the reliability of your compressed air supply.
Investment costs per cubic meter of capacity are lower with central systems. Large compressors cost relatively less than multiple small units with the same total capacity. Installation and connection also require less work.
When Is Decentralized Compressed Air Generation the Better Choice?
Decentralized compressed air generation works best for companies with distributed locations or when different departments have different pressure or quality requirements. Each unit can be specifically adjusted to local needs.
For companies with varying production times, decentralized generation offers flexibility. You can shut down units in parts of the company that are not active without affecting other departments. This saves energy during partial operations.
When the distance between production locations is large, you avoid transport losses through local generation. Long pipelines cause pressure drops and increase energy costs. Decentralized systems eliminate these losses.
For specific applications requiring very clean compressed air, such as in laboratories or with nitrogen generators, local generation offers better control over air quality. You prevent contamination during transport through the piping network.
Which Factors Determine the Right Choice for Your Company?
Your total air consumption forms the most important factor. Companies with consumption above 1000 cubic meters per hour usually benefit from central systems. Smaller consumers may be better served by decentralized solutions.
| Factor | Central System | Decentralized System |
|---|---|---|
| Company Size | Large (>50 employees) | Small to medium (<50 employees) |
| Air Consumption | >1000 m³/hour | <1000 m³/hour |
| Location Layout | Concentrated | Distributed |
| Investment Budget | High (€50,000+) | Low to medium (<€50,000) |
The layout of your company plays a major role. Concentrated production in one building or on a compact site lends itself to central systems. Distributed locations or multiple buildings make decentralized systems more attractive.
Your future expansion plans influence the choice. Central systems can be more easily expanded by adding additional compressors. With decentralized systems, you must expand per location.
The availability of technical personnel is relevant for maintenance and breakdowns. Central systems require specialist knowledge at one location, while decentralized systems need basic technical knowledge at multiple locations.
Key Considerations When Choosing Compressed Air Generation
Focus on the total cost of ownership over the system’s lifetime, not just the purchase price. Energy costs represent 70-80% of total costs over ten years. An efficient central system can be more advantageous despite higher investment costs.
Reliability deserves special attention in your decision. Central systems with multiple compressors offer redundancy, but a failure in the main line can shut down the entire company. Decentralized systems limit failures to local areas.
Plan for future growth and changing needs. Central systems offer more flexibility for expansion and modifications. Decentralized systems can become expensive with large expansions.
Also consider integration with other systems such as nitrogen generators or compressed air treatment. These systems often work more efficiently in combination with central compressed air generation.
At Presscon, we are happy to help you make the right choice for your specific situation. Our experienced team analyzes your needs and advises the most cost-effective solution for your company. Please contact our experts for personalized guidance.