U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Industrial Technologies Program – BestPractices

AIRMaster+

This photo shows the wall of an industrial building with a pressure gauge mounted on the wall. Underneath the gauge in the lower left-hand corner are the words "AIRMaster+" and underneath this title are the words "Motor-Driven Systems."

Download AIRMaster+ now!
Version: 1.2.3
Release Date: October 6, 2008
Release Notes
Metric Unit Measurements: Yes

Download AIRMaster+ LogTool now!
Version: 2.0
Release Date: January 12, 2009
Metric Unit Measurements: Yes

AIRMaster+ is a free online software tool that helps users analyze energy use and savings opportunities in industrial compressed air systems. Use AIRMaster+ to baseline existing and model future system operations improvements, and evaluate energy and dollar savings from many energy efficiency measures. AIRMaster+ provides a systematic approach to assessing compressed air systems, analyzing collected data, and reporting results.

The AIRMaster+ LogTool is a companion tool to AIRMaster+ that helps industrial users determine the operating dynamics of a compressed system. Use the LogTool first to gather critical data in preparation for AIRMaster+. Then, input that data into AIRMaster+ to model existing and future compressed air system upgrades.

Intended Users

AIRMaster+ is designed for personnel who are interested in improving compressed air system performance, including industrial plant engineers, distributors of compressed air equipment, consulting companies, and utility energy auditors.

Inputs

To use AIRMaster+, first enter information describing existing inventory and function for the following:

  • Company/facility
  • Utility rates
  • Compressed air systems on site and end uses for each system
  • Typical operating day types
  • Compressor performance and operating details
  • Metered hourly energy use or air flow for each day type and for each compressor.

Then, define proposed energy efficiency system enhancements such as:

  • Reduced air leaks, system air pressure, or run time
  • Improved end use efficiency
  • Use of unloading controls and automatic sequencer
  • Adjustment of cascading set points
  • Addition of primary receiver volume.

Outputs

Based on input, AIRMaster+ allows users to:

  • Manage multiple facilities and compressed air systems
  • Maintain databases of plant inventory and industry-standard air compressors
  • Simulate existing and modified compressed air system operation
  • Model part load system operation for a variety of air compressors operating simultaneously with independent control strategies and schedules
  • Calculate electrical operating costs and life cycle costs
  • Evaluate energy savings
  • Track maintenance histories of various facility, system, and compressor components.

Release Notes

This version replaces earlier versions of AIRMaster+ and corrects errors to the editing/review function in the Energy Efficiency Measures module and unit labelling errors in some screens of the English version.

For More Information

AIRMaster+ Qualification

DOE and the Compressed Air Challenge® recognize Qualified AIRMaster+ Specialists for their ability to use the AIRMaster+ software effectively with industrial end users. Used properly, AIRMaster+ is a powerful tool for modeling "what if" scenarios for possible improvements to compressed air systems. A Qualified Specialist can apply AIRMaster+ to assist you in identifying system improvement opportunities. Details.

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