Welcome! | Ask A Question

 
 
Question

Asked 6/19/2009

How do you calculate efficiency of air compressor?

 
 
 
 
Answers

Answer 1/1 - Submitted 10/27/2009

One measure of efficiency is power output/power input.

Assuming that you have in the input power to the compressor in watts, the output flow rate in liters per minute, and the output pressure in bar(absolute), then the formula for efficiency is

(V * 100 * ln (P))/Input

Where v is flow rate in liters per second referenced to atmospheric pressure, P is pressure in bar, and Input is power to the compressor in watts. This also assumes that the input air is roughly atmospheric pressure and near room temperature, and the output air has cooled back to near room temperature.

A rule of thumb is that 1 hp into a compressor will generate 4cfm at 100psi. Lets see what efficiency that is.

1 cfm = 1cu ft * 28.3 liter/cu ft * 1 minute/60 second = 0.472 liters per sec
100psig = 115psia = 7.9 bar absolute

4 cfm = 4*0.472 lps = 1.89 lps

1.89 * 100 * log-natural (7.9) = 390 watts of output power

1 horsepower = 746 watts.

390/746 = 52% efficiency

 
 
 
 
Answer This Question Now

Type your Answer in the box below and post your answer.

Learn more about how this works

 
 
 

Related Questions (Ask a New Question)

 
My es-8 -iso 9001 air compressor

Compressor does not build full discharge pressure ,compressor stay at 40psi, change oil, oil filter ,air filter. compressor runs unloaded

See Answers

 
Why is my brand new air compressor making a screeching noise then turns red hot?

I have a 94 s 10 chevy truck. 4.3 engine automatic .my air compressor is only 2 weeks old. i have no freon in the truck and so i dont use my a/c. but after driving for awhile my air compressor starts screeching and it gets red hot. this also happened with the old compressor that was on there before,...

See Answers

 
Air compressor

I have an older compressor, it only goes up to about 50 psi and the relief valve is letting air out, i can't even run a die grinder, how can i fix it? it's a westeel rosco serial # 35454-247

See Answers

 
Related Questions

My es-8 -iso 9001 air compressor


Compressor does not build full discharge pressure ,compressor stay at 40psi, change oil, oil...

 

Why is my brand new air compressor making a screeching noise then turns red hot?


I have a 94 s 10 chevy truck. 4.3 engine automatic .my air compressor is only 2 weeks old....

 

Air compressor


I have an older compressor, it only goes up to about 50 psi and the relief valve is letting...

 

Replacement belt for coleman air compressor


Where do i get a replacement belt for a coleman air compressor part #007-0068 carlisle 62-1289...

 
 

Craftsman air compressor


I have a craftsman 6 hp 33 gallon compressor it is about 8 years old only used rarely i pluged...

 
 

See more Air Compressor questions

 
 
 
 
 

Ask A Question

Ask a new question about
Air Compressor: