Automotive Compressed Air Station Case Study | SIND

A multi-site automotive manufacturing retrofit using centrifugal compressors for base-load plant air and screw compressors for distributed workshop demand.

Project Overview

A global automotive manufacturer cut approximately 32 million kWh of electricity per year — and over USD 2.5 million in operating cost — by replacing 12 aging centrifugal and 150 screw compressors with SIND high-efficiency units across plants in Shanghai, Chongqing, and overseas. This is the measured outcome of a compressed air station retrofit designed and delivered by Silverstone Industrial (SIND).

The project upgraded air compression systems across multiple factories of a renowned automotive brand, including facilities in Shanghai, Chongqing, and several overseas locations. Beyond the headline energy figure, maintenance costs run approximately 45% lower than imported brands, and the client has repeatedly purchased SIND equipment for multiple factories worldwide.

Core Equipment

Two compressor technologies, matched to duty

Centrifugal units carry the high-volume base-load plant air, while screw compressors cover distributed workshop air points — each selected per duty profile rather than replaced one-for-one.

Centrifugal Compressors

Base-load plant air
10.5%Energy savings vs. traditional

High-efficiency multi-stage units carry the high-volume, continuous plant-air demand.

Screw Compressors

Distributed workshop air
20.3%Energy savings vs. conventional

Two-stage screw units cover variable, localized workshop points across multiple plants.

SIND compressed air station equipment installed at a global automotive manufacturer factory

Measured Outcome

Energy and cost savings, based on the client's post-installation audit
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kWh saved per year

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USD cost reduction per year

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tons of CO2 avoided per year

Compressor type Role in the station Measured energy savings Best fit
Centrifugal (12 units) Base-load, high-volume plant air Up to 10.5% vs. traditional Continuous large demand
Screw (150+ units) Distributed workshop air points Up to 20.3% vs. conventional Variable, localized demand

Both technologies were selected per duty profile rather than replaced one-for-one, which is why the combined station reached 32 million kWh in annual savings.

Client Benefits

  • Lower Operating Costs: maintenance costs approximately 45% less than those of imported brands.
  • High Reliability: extremely low failure rates, ensuring continuous and reliable operation.
  • Sustainability: reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions support a greener future.

FAQ

What is a compressed air station and why retrofit it?

A compressed air station is the full system of compressors, dryers, and controls supplying plant air. Retrofitting aging centrifugal and screw units with high-efficiency models is one of the fastest ways to cut industrial electricity use — air systems often account for 10–40% of a plant’s total power draw.

How much can an automotive plant save by upgrading compressors?

In this SIND project, the client saved approximately 32 million kWh and over USD 2.5 million per year after replacing 12 centrifugal and 150 screw compressors — equivalent to roughly 18,500 tons of CO2 avoided annually.

Why choose SIND as an air compressor manufacturer?

SIND designs and builds high-efficiency centrifugal and screw compressors directly, with maintenance costs about 45% lower than imported brands and proven savings of 10.5% (centrifugal) and 20.3% (screw) versus conventional models.

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