Overview
EN ISO 11011:2015 (ISO 11011:2013) specifies requirements for conducting and reporting an energy-efficiency assessment of compressed air systems. The standard treats a compressed air installation as three functional subsystems - supply, transmission, and demand - and requires a whole-system approach from primary energy input to the useful work performed. It defines roles and responsibilities for assessment teams and sets out how to analyse, document and report findings, including estimated energy savings.
Key topics and requirements
- Three-subsystem framework: assessment must consider the supply (energy conversion to compressed air), transmission (distribution and losses), and demand (end‑use and waste).
- Roles & responsibilities: identification of assessment team members, site management support, communications and access to equipment/data.
- Measurement parameters: guidance on determining and measuring flow, pressure, power, storage and other relevant parameters.
- Baseline data collection: plant background, function, inventory of end‑uses, heat recovery potential, and duration of data logging to establish baseline energy profiles.
- Data analysis: preparation of baseline and demand profiles, system volume and pressure profiling, detection of perceived high‑pressure demand, identification of compressed‑air waste and critical air demands.
- Optimization opportunities: evaluation of air treatment, compressor controls, storage and maintenance to identify energy‑saving measures and heat recovery options.
- Reporting and documentation: structured assessment report, confidentiality considerations, and provision of data for third‑party review; includes an estimate of potential energy savings.
Applications and who uses it
EN ISO 11011 is practical for organizations and professionals focused on reducing energy consumption and cost in compressed air systems:
- Energy auditors and consultants conducting compressed air energy assessments
- Facilities and plant engineers responsible for system reliability and efficiency
- Maintenance managers seeking to prioritize leak repair, control tuning and preventive maintenance
- Sustainability and energy managers targeting operational carbon and cost reductions
- Compressor OEMs and system integrators advising customers on system optimisation
Typical uses include establishing a baseline energy profile, identifying leak and waste sources, optimizing system pressure and control strategies, evaluating heat recovery, and estimating cost and energy savings from retrofit or operational changes.
Related standards and context
- Developed by ISO/TC 118 and adopted as a CEN European Standard (CEN/TC 232), EN ISO 11011 aligns with standards and guidance in the compressors and pneumatic equipment domain (ICS 23.140). Use EN ISO 11011 together with manufacturer guidance and local energy‑management frameworks for best results.
Keywords: compressed air, energy efficiency, compressed air assessment, ISO 11011, energy savings, compressed air systems, pressure profiling, flow measurement.
