VSD to the Rescue

Question: what’s the easiest way to save money on your compressed air system? Answer: shut the thing off. At first glance, that doesn’t seem like a viable answer. But maybe it is.

Consider this: there are 168 hours in every week but most compressed air systems average around 80 hours each week running at or near full capacity. Turning compressors off on evenings and weekends, or so that workloads reflect shift patterns, can reduce energy bills as much as 20 percent. But that doesn’t offer much help for those facilities that require round-the-clock operation.

That’s where a Variable Speed Drive air compressor comes in – VSD air compressors continually and automatically vary the production of compressed air to meet power requirements. When compared to fixed-drive compressors, a VSD compressor sized for the same end applications requires approximately 35 percent less power which, in turn, cuts energy costs by one-third. And regardless of facility up-time, analysis shows that more than 90 percent of all compressor applications are likely candidates for VSDs, and the return on investment is often realized within two years.

Take a look at one instance in which a manufacturer operates a 200 horsepower air compressor all day every day at 8 cents per kWh. This equals $110,062 to operate the compressor every year, or more than $550,000 over five years; switching to a VSD compressor could potentially save this facility $38,521 annually or $192,608 over five years.

We’ve also recently introduced our new line of water-injected VSD compressors, which features four models, including both air-cooled and water-cooled versions. These compressors deliver ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certified clean, oil-free air for industries that require sensitive applications.

Question: so what are you waiting for?