Piston Compressors: Application Areas
Piston compressors – also known as reciprocal compressors – are designed to work within certain limitations. Find out more about them here. Read More…
Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Compressors: What to know.
Variable
Speed Drive (VSD) compressors are a game-changer in the world of compressed air. These compressors automatically adjust their
operating speeds to match the real-time demand for compressed air. It's an important feature, especially when it comes to energy savings.
Surprisingly, the electricity consumed by a compressor can account for the largest portion of its total cost of ownership, not the initial
purchase price. On average, VSD technology can reduce energy costs by 35% to 50%, which translates into significant savings.
Now, let's delve into the key differences between fixed speed and VSD compressors. Fixed-speed compressors are simpler machines with a lower upfront cost. You turn them on, and they run at full speed until they need to be shut off. It's a straightforward concept. On the other hand, VSD compressors are more advanced. They don't just run and stop; they precisely match their output to the demand, making them highly sophisticated. Consequently, the initial investment for VSD compressors can be higher due to their superior capabilities.
But when should you consider investing in a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) compressor? While VSD technology seems ideal for any business, it may not always be the best solution. VSD compressors are most suitable for businesses with fluctuating demand, such as those with varying processes or multiple shifts. Situations that warrant a VSD compressor include when compressed air demand varies significantly between jobs, fluctuates by shift, day of the week (e.g., weekends), or seasonally, or when production requires precise pressure control. If your operation is consistent without significant demand fluctuations, or if the variations are minimal, a fixed speed compressor might be the better option.
Alternatively, you can consider a hybrid solution by combining a fixed speed compressor with a VSD compressor. The fixed speed compressor would handle the base load, while the VSD compressor(s) would trim the demand as needed. This setup provides redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted production. If one compressor shuts down, the other takes over the full demand, keeping operations running smoothly.
Now, let's explore the benefits of investing in a VSD compressor:
- While VSD compressors have a higher initial investment cost, they quickly pay back that investment through energy savings. The greater the demand variation, the higher the potential savings.
- VSD compressors operate within a much tighter pressure range compared to fixed speed compressors.
- They can maintain the required minimum working pressure of your air system while operating at lower delivery pressures. Additionally, they provide consistent discharge pressure for all compressed air applications throughout your facility.
- A VSD compressor allows you to set the net pressure lower than the unloaded pressure of a fixed speed compressor. Every 1 bar reduction in pressure results in a 7% energy savings.
- VSD compressors can start and stop under full system pressure, eliminating the need for unloading. This saves both time and energy. Furthermore, there are no idling periods or blow-off losses that occur during normal operations.
VSD compressors offer numerous benefits, including energy savings, precise pressure control, consistent performance, and efficient operation. They are particularly advantageous for businesses with fluctuating demand patterns. However, it's essential to evaluate your specific needs and consider a combination of fixed speed and VSD compressors or a purely fixed speed compressor if the demand variations are minimal.
If you have any questions, reach out to an expert today.
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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!
- Rotary Screw and Piston Air Compressors
- Vacuum Pumps and Blowers
- Nitrogen Generation
- An extensive line of Air Treatment components
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- Mobile Compressors, Generators, and Light Towers
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, ALUP, Pneumatech, and Atlas Copco products are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world-class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported with nationwide coverage, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air, vacuum pump, and industrial gas equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.
Reliability and Efficiency
With Ash Air, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:
- Increasing uptime
- Reducing unexpected repairs
- Reducing energy consumption and meeting our sustainability goals
- Improving the cleanliness of compressed air
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