John Senay, Product Marketing Manager- Piston and Oil Injected Screws <30kW, was recently interviewed by IMPO magazine about the latest energy-efficient compressor technology, NEMA Premium Efficiency requirements and the future of energy efficiency. We’ll share the interview in a series of upcoming blog posts.
Q: How are the latest compressor technologies becoming more energy efficient?
In the last twelve months, the compressor industry has seen the release of several innovative, patented air compressor technologies that significantly reduce energy consumption. These recent advancements derive from improvements throughout the compressor design and contribute to dramatic increases in energy efficiency.
One of the most efficient compressor designs prior to 2013 was the variable speed drive (VSD) compressor, which provided average energy savings of 35% compared to a traditional load/unload compressor of the same type. After years of research and development, Atlas Copco has increased energy efficiency by up to 50% by revolutionizing the design of the VSD compressor and launching the VSD+ product line. These compressors use a vertically-aligned design where motor and drive train share a single drive shaft that significantly reduces the footprint, allowing the compressor to be installed closer to the point of use. The introduction of a single, closed oil-circuit that cools the motor while lubricating the element and bearings contributes to a more reliable compressor. A fan design that mimics the wings of an owl contributes to a highly efficient cooling mechanism while simultaneously decreasing noise levels.
All of these little changes make a big impact when combined in one air compressor. The simplified design of these compressors, coupled with advancements in technology, provide energy savings throughout the entire lifetime of the compressor.
Learn more about the VSD+ product line by visiting the Atlas Copco website and explore the new technology by watching our performance test video. Do you have a question about compressor technology? Contact us and we might answer your question in an upcoming blog post.
