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Plant Engineering Calculator

Compressor Unloaded Running Cost Calculator — Idle kW, kWh & Savings

Calculate energy and cost consumed while a compressor runs unloaded, plus the opportunity from reducing unloaded hours or improving sequencing.

Inputs

Results

Idle energy 60000 kWh/year
Idle cost $6000/year
Avoidable energy 30000 kWh/year
Potential saving $3000/year

Formula

annual idle kWh=unloaded kW×unloaded hours.

Worked example

A compressor drawing 30 kW unloaded for 2,000 h uses 60,000 kWh/year without producing useful air.

Assumptions & limits

  • Use measured package power rather than motor nameplate power.
  • Frequent starts, storage, pressure band and compressor type constrain shutdown strategies.

FAQs

What does this Compressor Unloaded Running Cost Calculator calculate?

Calculate energy and cost consumed while a compressor runs unloaded, plus the opportunity from reducing unloaded hours or improving sequencing.

Is this suitable for final design?

Use it for transparent engineering screening and diagnostics. Verify final design or operating changes against measured site data, OEM curves and applicable standards.

Why are assumptions shown?

Plant calculations depend on operating boundaries. Explicit assumptions make scenarios auditable and prevent false precision.

Related calculators

compressor unload savingscompressor sequencing savingscompressed air demand profile

Last updated: 17 September 2026