It is flexible, versatile and relatively safe compared to other methods for storing energy, like batteries and steam. Batteries, for example, are bulky and have a limited charge life. Steam, on the other hand, is neither as cost-effective nor as user-friendly (it gets extremely hot) as compressed air.
When comparing compressed air to electricity, however, we find that the latter is more cost-efficient. At least at first glance. But in that case, the other benefits of compressed air make the difference. Perhaps most importantly, compressed air is much safer for people and equipment. It is also more flexible, the tools it powers are more lightweight, more durable and less expensive, which makes up for the higher cost of compressed air.
What are the challenges of compressing air?
While all of these benefits make compressed air an excellent utility, there are some challenges that have to be overcome. First of all, it takes a lot of energy to produce it (just like it takes more effort to blow up a balloon than to breathe).
All this energy used is not only expensive but also adds to the environmental footprint of businesses at a time when sustainability is crucially important.
A second issue is that the ambient air that is being compressed inevitably contains contaminants, such as tiny particles, moisture and even traces of oil. The compression process increases the concentration of these contaminants per cubic meter.
Fortunately, there are ways to address both of these problems to make sure that the compressed air is as clean as it has to be and the process of making it as sustainable as it can be.
