Variable speed air compressor
Encyclopedia
A variable-speed drive air compressor
is an air compressor that takes advantage of variable-speed drive technology. This type of compressor uses a special drive to control the speed (RPM) of the unit, which in turn saves energy compared to a fixed speed equivalent.
The most common form of VSD
technology in the air compressor industry is a variable-frequency drive, which converts the incoming AC
power to DC
and then back to a quasi-sinusoidal AC power using an inverter switching circuit. The variable-frequency drive article provides additional information on electronic speed controls used with various types of AC motors.
Large electrical cost savings can be achieved by installing a variable speed drive compressor in place of an existing rotary screw or piston machine. Because of this, many governments, including the US and UK, are pushing the industries to move towards this technology in hopes of reducing wasted energy. Governments offer various incentives, such as tax rebates or interest free loans, to cover the upgrades.
However, variable speed drive compressors are not necessarily appropriate for all industrial applications. Where demand remains constant within 5–15% of the total free air delivery flow rate, dual-control compressors configured in a split solution can provide higher efficiency than a VFD.
A professional air audit is the best way to see if a VFD compressor is most appropriate for any given compressed air application. These audits are available from various companies that specialize in the implementation of compressed air equipment, which can determine the most efficient controls for your compressed air system – including variable speed, variable capacity or using storage and flow controllers.
Air compressor
An air compressor is a device that converts power into kinetic energy by compressing and pressurizing air, which, on command, can be released in quick bursts...
is an air compressor that takes advantage of variable-speed drive technology. This type of compressor uses a special drive to control the speed (RPM) of the unit, which in turn saves energy compared to a fixed speed equivalent.
The most common form of VSD
VSD
VSD may refer to:* Vaccine Safety Datalink, a Centers for Disease Control database containing vaccination and health records of over 7 million Americans* Variable speed drive, or adjustable-speed drive, is a specific type of a variable-frequency drive...
technology in the air compressor industry is a variable-frequency drive, which converts the incoming AC
Alternating current
In alternating current the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current , the flow of electric charge is only in one direction....
power to DC
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
and then back to a quasi-sinusoidal AC power using an inverter switching circuit. The variable-frequency drive article provides additional information on electronic speed controls used with various types of AC motors.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology included reducing power cost, reducing power surges (from starting AC motors), and delivering a more constant pressure. The down side of this technology is the heavy expense associated with the drive, and the sensitivity of these drives – specifically to heat and moisture.Industry
Typically, a fifth of a factory's electricity bill is attributed to the production of compressed air. The majority of modern factories are heavily involved in cutting costs, and energy awareness should be a key concern. For example, 10–12% of all power generated in the UK is dedicated to the production of compressed air, and a portion of this power is wasted energy.Large electrical cost savings can be achieved by installing a variable speed drive compressor in place of an existing rotary screw or piston machine. Because of this, many governments, including the US and UK, are pushing the industries to move towards this technology in hopes of reducing wasted energy. Governments offer various incentives, such as tax rebates or interest free loans, to cover the upgrades.
However, variable speed drive compressors are not necessarily appropriate for all industrial applications. Where demand remains constant within 5–15% of the total free air delivery flow rate, dual-control compressors configured in a split solution can provide higher efficiency than a VFD.
A professional air audit is the best way to see if a VFD compressor is most appropriate for any given compressed air application. These audits are available from various companies that specialize in the implementation of compressed air equipment, which can determine the most efficient controls for your compressed air system – including variable speed, variable capacity or using storage and flow controllers.
See also
- Variable-speed drive
- Variable-frequency drive
- Rotary screw compressor
- Air compressorAir compressorAn air compressor is a device that converts power into kinetic energy by compressing and pressurizing air, which, on command, can be released in quick bursts...