Air compressors in one form or another date back to the 1870’s when cities including Paris and Dresden made use of these systems. Victor Popp manufactured the first air compressor system and it was intended to power clocks. It worked in such a way that a pulse of air was emitted every minute to move the pointer. It’s potential was soon discovered when it was realised that it could be used to supply power to industry and homes.
These were soon used to power mines, pumps, drilling equipment and trams. It was all delivered via a central compressed air distribution centre. Compressed air is still used today in race cars as it supplies the energy needed to start the car.
