The hidden energy in compressed air
Every time you compress air, you’re not just increasing pressure – you’re generating heat. In fact, about 94% of the electrical energy used in air compression is converted into heat. In most plants, that heat is simply released into the atmosphere via cooling systems.
That’s like heating your home in winter and leaving all the windows open.
Why energy recovery is a smart move
Recovering waste heat from compressors can dramatically reduce the need for separate heating systems. This recovered energy can be used to:
- Heat process water
- Provide hot water for cleaning or sanitation
- Warm facilities during colder months
By reusing heat you’ve already paid to generate, you can lower utility bills and reduce your environmental footprint.
The limitations of many heat recovery systems
Many compressors offer “heat recovery” options, but they can only produce warm water in the 50–60°C range. That’s enough for certain low-temperature cleaning and space heating applications, but not enough for higher-demand industrial processes like:
- High-temperature washdown in food and beverage
- Process water heating in chemical production
- Steam generation in some manufacturing sectors
For plants that need higher water temperatures, these systems fall short. Additionally, these kind of systems can potentially shorten the life span of the compressor by overcooling or overheating lubrication oil.
Tamturbo’s high-temperature solution for energy recovery
Tamturbo’s integrated energy recovery system can deliver hot water up to 90°C, making it suitable for a far wider range of applications. And because our compressors are oil-free, the recovered heat is clean – there’s no risk of oil contamination in the heat exchange process.
With up to 90% of the input energy recoverable, the potential savings are significant. For example:
- A 200 kW compressor running 6,000 hours/year produces roughly 1.08 million kWh of heat.
- If even 80% of that is recovered and reused, it’s equivalent to replacing hundreds of thousands of kWh of purchased heating energy.
More than just cost savings
Recovering and reusing energy doesn’t just lower your bills — it reduces your facility’s carbon emissions and helps meet corporate sustainability goals. For plants in regions with high energy costs or strict emissions targets, the business case becomes even stronger.
Energy recovery alone can pay back the investment in just a few years — and continue to provide savings for the entire lifespan of the compressor.
From waste to value
Every kilowatt-hour you put into your compressor should deliver value — either in the form of compressed air or useful heat. With Tamturbo, waste heat becomes a resource, helping you get more from every unit of energy you buy.
