New EV Battery Manufacturer and DIRECTAIR®
Overview
An auto manufacturer planned two massive electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities. A single control system would manage the compressed air for both facilities, with strict requirements and stringent specifications that had to be met by the compressed air system.
Industry: EV battery manufacturing
Service: DIRECTAIR®, OTC's turnkey FOURTH UTILITYSM compressed air service
Results:
Energy efficiency
Robust control system
Adaptable solution for complex requirements
Ability to deliver on exacting specifications
Project Summary
The manufacturer knew of OTC’s reputation in the automotive industry and asked the team to bid for the compressed air systems for the new facilities. There were complex requirements, with expected compressed air needs ranging between 20,000 and 100,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and stringent specifications for sales outside the United States. There needed to be a robust control system to manage energy use and compressed air distribution between the plants. Finally, the manufacturer wanted the flexibility to adapt if its future needs changed.
OTC was sensitive to these needs as it prepared its bid, which incorporated the DIRECTAIR® as a FOURTH UTILITYSM compressed air service. OTC installs and manages an advanced, proprietary control system and handles all maintenance, repair, and system management, with the manufacturer only paying a single monthly fee for the air it uses. Data collected by the system is used in predictive analytics to identify potential equipment issues, helping to ensure 100% guaranteed uptime, a critical requirement.
The manufacturer ultimately selected OTC for the project because the other bidders couldn’t meet the air volume and precise pressure and dew point requirements and weren’t willing to provide the flexibility requested. Manufacturing of the customized DIRECTAIR® modules that include centrifugal and desiccant air dryers is underway and installation is expected in the spring of 2024. Additional work and upgrades are in the planning phase between OTC and the manufacturer.