As part of a concerted effort worldwide to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and the impact of industrial operations on the
environment, regulatory authorities in many countries have introduced legislation to encourage the manufacture and use of higher efficiency
electric motors. We're proud to supply Chicago Pneumatic, who have not only taken these efficiency considerations on board but has gone
even further to achieve the highest efficiency class β equivalent to IE5 - in its compressor technology
When it comes to compressor drive motors there is a close correlation between the electric motor technologies and their efficiency level
capabilities. Firstly, single phase induction motors are limited to levels IE1 and IE2, whereas three-phase induction and switched
reluctance synchronous motors can meet the IE1, IE2, IE3 and in some cases IE4 category criteria.
The
introduction of permanent magnet (PM) motors has increased the opportunities of achieving IE4 and IE5.
With AC induction motors operating within the 90%-plus efficiency band for most power ratings, there may not be much more room for the
development of this type of motor to produce higher energy efficiencies.
This is where alternative motor designs such as permanent magnet (PM) rotor technology come in. Unlike induction motors, which induce a
secondary magnetic field in the rotor, PM motors use high-performance magnets attached to the external surface of the rotor to create a
magnetic field that is always present. This eliminates the rotor losses found in the induction-motor design, resulting in higher efficiency
and a better power factor.
However, by going beyond the PM motor, itβs possible to take greater steps toward meeting or even exceeding the IE5 standard. This has been
made achievable with the introduction of the iPM (interior permanent magnet) motor concept.
A conventional PM motor, or SPM (surface permanent magnet) to be precise, only uses magnetic torque to operate. Although this technology
overcomes rotor losses, it imposes speed limitations due to the need to secure the rotating magnets and reduce the risk of them being peeled
off by centrifugal force.
The advantages of the iPM motor
The IPM motor with its embedded permanent magnets rotor does not have this problem. It can operate at higher speeds, enabling direct
coupling to the compression element on a 1:1 ratio and, as a direct result has up to 30% lower losses compared to conventional motors.
Promoting high efficiency
There are other specific features relating to the motor that contribute to the overall efficiency of the compressor, including true direct
drive. If the rotor of the motor is coupled directly to the male rotor of the compressor element, there are no drive losses associated with
gears or belts and no shaft seal.
Equally, if the motor is cooled by the compressor oil, which is effective at all running speeds, there is no need for a cooling fan that
consumes power and reduces motor efficiency. This is especially evident when the motor is running at a low speed. The oil cooling the motor
warms the lubricating oil before it reaches the compressor element and helps prevent condensation under low load conditions.
The high torque capability of an iPM motor allows the compressor to start whilst still pressurized, hence there is no need to blowdown the
compressor when it stops in standby mode. As a result, air that has already been compressed, and for which the user has paid for in energy
consumption, is not wasted.
Conventionally designed compressor motors have two bearings, one for the element drive end and another for the non-drive end. If the drive
end is supported on the compression element bearings, the motor only needs one bearing, resulting in a significant reduction in friction
losses.
Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and weβve 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!
Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
Vacuum pumps
Nitrogen
An extensive line of air treatment components
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors 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 by a 13 locations
nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.
Reliability and Efficiency
With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our
efforts on the following:
Air compressors use considerable volumes of energy during a typical work cycle. When you add up all the expenses of operating a facility,
any savings can help you boost your bottom line.
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If you have never bought a rotary screw air compressor before; do the following. Add up the air consumption of all the equipment at your
shop. That will be the amount of air your desired compressor should provide.
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Knowing the telltale signs of wear and tear, understanding your productβs specifications and usability guidelines, and knowing when itβs
prudent to call in repairs are skills that could save you a lot of time, effort, and money in the long term.
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That cold, rainy, and in some places icey New Zealand winter is upon us, and with the following air compressor tips, your air system will be
prepared with the preferred temperatures, despite the weather outside. Regardless of whether or not it actually snows or freezes up where
you live, most winterisation service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and
operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in Queenstown or Northland.
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If you're wondering what an air compressor actually is, you've come to the right place. Simply, air compressors convert power in to air that
is pressurised which is then used to power air tools such as spray guns. Air compressors are used in a wide range of applications, so
naturally if you want one that will be designed for spray painting your vehicle, you want a compressor specifically made for spray guns!
This way your compressor will be able to provide the right amount of power to perform the job.
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