Tag: compressed air systems

Compressed Air Is Powering the Energy Transition — Not Just Manufacturing

Published on by Jordan T ShouseLeave a comment

A major breakthrough just hit the industry: researchers unveiled the world’s most powerful single-unit compressed air energy storage (CAES) compressor, rated at 101 MW.

  • Achieves ~88% efficiency at max discharge pressure
  • More than doubles the power of prior single-unit CAES compressors
  • Designed to store energy by compressing air for later electricity generation

This positions compressed air not just as a plant utility—but as a grid-scale energy storage solution.

From Shop Air to Grid Power

For decades, compressed air has been known as the “fourth utility” of manufacturing—powering tools, automation, conveying systems, and production lines across nearly every industrial sector.

But today, compressed air is stepping into a much larger role.

Recent breakthroughs in compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology are transforming compressed air from a plant-floor necessity into a grid-scale energy solution. Massive new compressor systems are now capable of storing surplus renewable energy and releasing it back into the electrical grid when demand spikes.

In other words, compressed air isn’t just powering production anymore—it’s helping power the future of energy.

What Is Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)?

Compressed Air Energy Storage is a method of storing energy for later use—similar in purpose to batteries, but very different in scale and operation.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Energy Capture
    Excess electricity—often from renewable sources like wind or solar—is used to power large compressors.
  2. Air Compression & Storage
    The compressed air is stored in underground caverns, tanks, or geological formations.
  3. Energy Release
    When electricity demand rises, the stored air is released, heated, and expanded through turbines to generate power.

Why CAES Matters

Renewable energy plays a critical role in the global shift toward sustainability, but it comes with a fundamental challenge: intermittency. Solar power only generates electricity during daylight hours, wind output fluctuates based on weather conditions, and grid demand changes constantly throughout the day. This mismatch between energy production and consumption creates reliability challenges for utilities. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) helps solve this issue by capturing excess energy when supply is high and releasing it when demand spikes. The technology provides long-duration energy storage, supports grid stabilization, helps meet peak demand, and reduces reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants. While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate short-term storage solutions, compressed air stands out for its ability to store massive volumes of energy over longer periods—making it especially well suited for utility-scale applications.

A Breakthrough Moment for Compressed Air

Recent advancements in high-capacity compressors designed specifically for energy storage are pushing the boundaries of what compressed air technology can achieve. These next-generation systems deliver unprecedented compression power, achieve significantly higher efficiency levels, and are engineered to support renewable energy integration at grid scale. By reducing energy loss during compression and discharge cycles, they make large-scale air storage more practical and economically viable than ever before. This innovation marks a turning point for the industry: compressed air is no longer confined to manufacturing facilities—it is now being positioned as a core component of national energy infrastructure planning and the broader transition to renewable power.

Jordan Shouse, CCASS

Application Engineer / Sales Operations Engineer

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Schematic of the compressed air energy storage method courtesy of (Image: https://voltatechnique.com/technology/) Creative Commons License

Pneumatics What are they Good For?

Published on by Jordan T ShouseLeave a comment

Absolutely Nothing….. err ALOT!

I truly love the “What are they good for, Absolutely Nothing….. err ALOT!” Blog, It makes me laugh every time, like Compressed Air Dryers : What are they Good For? . And because of this I plan to make it a reoccurring title combo! Whether you like it or not!!!

But bringing it back to why are Pneumatics used? If there were no benefits costly compressed air systems would become obsolete, however the opposite is common in industry. Compressed air systems and pneumatics are a critical cost-effective tool when they are used efficiently.

Pneumatics is a branch of engineering that makes use of gas or compressed air. With most if not all industries utilizing compressed air products and processes, it’s a pretty important part of any facility’s infrastructure.

  1. There is an infinite supply of air on this planet to be compressed and used. I know this seems obvious but what other energy source has an infinite supply?

2. There are very low maintenance costs with pneumatic tools. Our products have minimal to no moving parts. There is no motor to repair, no oil to change, no bearings or fans.

Pressure Regulators “dial in” performance to get the job done without using more air than necessary.

3. Our products are engineered to be easily installed and can be adjusted for performance. Most of the time you simply mount the product and add air. A simple pressure regulator provides a huge bandwidth of adjustment to dial in the force and performance.

4. Air is very easy to transport. With your current compressor system, you can easily run pipe to the point of use and supply the products with their power source.

5. Compressed air is compact, and usually takes up less space to install a compressed air product.

6. Our products and tools are extremely reliable. Due to the precision engineering and production, our products produce a repeatable result every time they are turned on.

7. EXAIR products all comply with OSHA standards for sound 29 CFR-1910.95(a) as well as dead end pressure (29 CFR 1910-242 (b)).

8. Initial purchase as well as installation costs are typically considerably lower than non-pneumatic options. When you add in the upkeep and maintenance, EXAIR products are almost always less expensive than alternative products.

9. Using compressed air as your power supply typically facilitates a cleaner, dryer, safer work environment.

At EXAIR, you have a team of application engineers at your fingertips that will help you choose the best product for your specific application. Feel free to call or email at anytime.

Jordan Shouse
Application Engineer

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Compressed Air Dryers : What are they Good For?

Published on by Jordan T ShouseLeave a comment

Absolutely Nothing….. err ALOT! They are really good for a lot! Specifically removing moisture/condensate from compressed air.

In almost every operation, clean, dry compressed air will result in lower operating costs. The purpose of compressed air dryers is to overcome the dew point of your compressed air by removing water from it. Compressed air can contain humidity, and in the right environments it can reach the dew point temperature and condense into a damaging liquid. This liquid can be problematic, as it can contaminate your products or equipment, causing frozen pipes, and possibly leading to corrosion and other issues.

Now that we know how important they are how do you know which one is right for you?

Types of compressed air Dryers

• Refrigerant Dryer – the most commonly used type, the air is cooled in an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. (Here is a great blog deep diving on Refrigerant Dryers)
• Regenerative-Desiccant Type – use a porous desiccant that adsorbs (adsorb means the moisture adheres to the desiccant, the desiccant does not change, and the moisture can then be driven off during a regeneration process). (Here is a great blog deep diving on Desiccant Dryers)
• Deliquescent Type – use a hygroscopic desiccant medium that absorbs (as opposed to adsorbs) moisture. The desiccant is dissolved into the liquid that is drawn out. Desiccant is used up and needs to be replaced periodically. (Here is a great blog deep diving on Deliquescent Dryers)
• Membrane Type– use special membranes that allow the water vapor to pass through faster than the dry air, reducing the amount of water vapor in the air stream. (Here is a great blog deep diving on Membrane Dryers)

The selection of an air dryer is done best by the professional who knows or learns the particular end uses, the amount of moisture which each use can tolerate and the amount of moisture which needs to be removed to achieve this level. Air, which may be considered dry for one application, may not be dry enough for another. Dryness is relative. Even the desert has moisture. There is always some moisture present in a compressed air system regardless of the degree of drying.

For compressed air, the best way to specify dryness is to cite a desired pressure dew point. Different types of dryers, therefore, are available with varying degrees of pressure dew point performance. To specify dew point lower than required for an application is not good engineering practice. (Naming a pressure dew point is how to state the degree of dryness wanted.) It may result in more costly equipment and greater operating expense.

If you have questions about compressed air systems and dryers or any of our 15 different Intelligent Compressed Air® Product lines, feel free to contact EXAIR, and I or any of our Application Engineers can help you determine the best solution.

Jordan Shouse
Application Engineer

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Compressed Air System Equipment

Published on by bdwagesLeave a comment

Compressed air is a valuable utility and understanding what makes up a solid system is very important. Most all manufacturing facilities have a demand for compressed air, so today we’ll discuss how when managed well, and with the proper equipment, how valuable this utility can be.

The equipment begins with the compressor. Specifying which compressor is best for you is genuinely specific to your needs, and many times even your geography. How many “users” of the air, the distance the air has to travel, how many and how sharp of turns need to be made are all specific to your building and setup. Drastic temperature changes, night and day, and many times summer to winter, can effect the compressor as well. Here is a list of things to consider when purchasing or upgrading the compressor itself:

  1. What is the actual air requirement? (SCFM) – as a rule of thumb – every 1 HP = 4 SCFM
  2. How many shifts, and do these shifts vary in air consumption?
  3. Average and Maximum Flow requirements
  4. What about leaks?
  5. What about the future?
  6. What is the highest pressure needed and why?
  7. How far away form the source are the users?
  8. Would a receiver tank/intermittent storage in the loop benefit your situation?

Compressor: Once you fully have a grasp of your demand, you can now move on to the compressor. There are 5 main types of compressors. One of the most common is the single-stage lubricant injected rotary screw compressor. This compressor is also offered in 2 stage. The other 3 types are a) 2-stage double acting reciprocating compressor b) Lubricant free screw compressor and c) Centrifugal 3-stage compressor. Each of these compressors have their own unique characteristics, benefits and faults. We highly recommend getting a local Air compressor company or professional involved to ensure the correct type and size.

Dirty Inlet Filter: Once the compressor is specified, you will need to ensure you have the best solution for dirty, ambient air being pulled into the compressor. The air coming out, begins with the air coming in, so this filter needs careful consideration based upon your individual ambient conditions. We’ve all heard the saying “garbage in – garbage out”… This filter should be checked, washed or changed often.

Receiver tank: The compressor(s) feed into a receiver tank. Many times this is call the Control Receiver, or the wet tank or cooling tank. Receiver tanks take in the air from the compressor and hold it under pressure for future use. These tanks reduce the cycles on the compressor, and prevents excessive loading and unloading in the system. These are not used on every system, but should be.

Dryer: Regardless of where you are in the world, all atmospheric air has some amount of vapor which will begin to condense into water when the air is cooled to the saturation point (This saturation point is better known as the dew point). The amount of moisture in the air depends on the temperature and relative humidity. As a rule of thumb, the moisture in the air will double for every 20°F increase in temperature. Your dryer should be able to dry the air to a dew point that is at least 18°F below the lowest temperature at the use point of the air. The size and amount of dryers is completely dependent on your companies needs.

Coalescent filter: Right after the dryer, it is recommended to put this type of filter to remove any other condensate, oils, or lubricants from the compressor. Unwanted oil in in the system can effect the machines and tools being used with the air.

Once your pipes have been laid to your point of use areas be it a machine or tools, you will want to have another filter at the point of use. Regardless of the age of your system, piping corrosion will happen leading to particulate in your air lines. You will want to filter this out prior to the final use of the air. The style and size of these filters should be determined at the point of use for the air. If your end use utilizes an EXAIR product – we recommend using our Automatic Filter Separators.

As the final step prior to use, it is recommended to have a pressure regulator and gauge on the line. Over time, every system will deplete air with small leaks, added users, or dirty filters. The most common cause of failure with EXAIR products, is actually lack of the appropriate air at the point of use.

Please keep in mind that this is a fairly simplistic explanation of a common Compressed Air System. Some systems have multiple receiving tanks, refrigerant coolers, dryers, and many different types of filters. The main goal is having enough clean, dry air to ensure that machines and tools function at peak performance.

Thank you for stopping by,

Brian Wages
Application Engineer
EXAIR Corporation
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