C837-16 (R2021)

Preface

This is the first edition of CSA C837, Monitoring and energy performance measurements of compressed air systems.

CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of Natural Resources Canada, BC Hydro, Manitoba Hydro, Hydro Quebec, Ontario Ministry of Energy, Canadian Electricity Association, Independent Electricity System Operator, Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Efficiency Nova Scotia, and Sask Power.

Introduction

0.1

Historically, there has been a lack of consistency in the methods used to determine the energy performance of compressed air systems. This often makes it difficult for stakeholders to make informed decisions concerning energy efficiency. This lack of consistent information complicates the task of ensuring any existing, new, or optimized system is operating efficiently.

This Standard specifies which information is to be gathered and how system parameters like power, energy, flow, pressure, and production output are to be measured or calculated using transparent, uniform, validated, repeatable, and consistent methods of measurement.

0.2

This Standard provides guidance in defining methodologies for establishing energy performance indicators (EnPIs) and energy baselines (EnBs) to be used as part of an overall energy management system (EnMS) or other related purposes. For compressed air systems, specific requirements outlining a consistent methodology for measuring, estimating, and reporting the energy performance are provided.

The intent of this Standard is to align with the requirements of ISO 50006, Energy management systems - Measuring energy performance using energy baselines (EnB) and energy performance indicators (EnPI) - General principles and guidance, adapted for compressed air system.

This Standard is not intended as a replacement for a compressed air system energy efficiency assessment (audit) as defined by other Standards, such as ISO 11011, nor does it specify measures that can be used to improve the energy efficiency of a compressed air system.

Scope

1.1 Inclusions

This Standard is intended to be used for compressed air systems with the following characteristics:

a) electrically driven three-phase air compressors equal to or greater than 5 horsepower;

b) positive displacement stationary air compressors and associated equipment;

c) operating pressures between 2.5 and 17 bar(g) (36 and 250 psi(g)); and

d) industrial and commercial applications of compressed air.

1.2 Exclusions

The Standard is not intended to be used for the following purposes or systems:

a) electrically driven single phase compressors;

b) bench testing, measurement, or certification of the performance of an air compressor;

c) measurement of heat recovery;

d) process compressors for gases other than air;

e) energy or water measurements for the mechanical cooling of water-cooled air compressors;

f) compressors driven by energy sources other than electric motors; and

g) compressors that are regulated by transportation standards.

1.3 Dual dimensions

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

Note: In the compressed air industry, both metric and imperial units are found in common practice and so are both used extensively in this Standard.

1.4 Terminology

In this Standard, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

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