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 – 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, it’s 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 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!
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:
Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor, now where should you install it? One of the most common things we see in the
industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right?
Wrong.
Read More…
When using air compressors, there are many variables that are integral to the quality and effectiveness of your compressed air. When dryer
air is necessary, being able to constantly and accurately monitor dew points can be a critical factor to your operation.
Read More…
Compressed air plays an integral role in breweries both large and small around the world. From start to finish, all details in the brewing
process are managed in fine detail and having the right air compressor is no exception.
Read More…
We Kiwi's love our Coffee! Coffee, like all other food & beverage products, must go through a preservation process to keep the
beans fresh during storage and packaging before they reach the consumer. Coffee that is not properly stored after it is roasted will lose a
large amount of carbon dioxide, which lessens its' flavor and speeds up the staling process. One of the most common ways to preserve the
freshness of coffee is the use of nitrogen gas. Learn more here:
Read More…
Air compressors are helpful for an enormous range of applications such as air filling, packaging, tools, HVAC control, and more! One
possible drawback is the amount of electricity they use; air compressors can be a huge drain on energy if used ​inefficiency...
Read More…
Air compressors create the energy used by pneumatic tools and processes throughout your compressed air system. The component that connects
everything together is the piping. It is very important to choose the right compressed air pipe to avoid pressure
loss, rust and other problems.
Read More…
We get it, buying an air compressor is a big financial decision. And now we are suggesting that you need two air compressors, not just one.
Ask yourself one question- Can your business still run if your air compressor goes down?
Read More…
It’s no secret – air compressors are excellent sources of energy. Not only do they power essential manufacturing elements and applications, but the heat generated as a result of the compressed air processes can be used as a byproduct that offsets other energy costs. However,
there’s another form of energy that is also a consequence of the air compression process – sound.
Read More…
Maintenance is key to continuing the performance of your air compressor. Continue to read about maximising the performance and longevity of
your compressor and some air compressor maintenance tips!
Read More…
The emergency stop, "e-stop", is for true emergency situations only. When hitting the e-stop, all power is halted from the machine
and the unload process isn't achieved. The emergency stop button is intended to help with possibly hazardous situations that are developing.
Common conditions of having to use the e-stop is the misuse of the equipment in ways that weren’t intended, predictable failures not
addressed or failing to consider all the foreseeable uses of the compressor. Read More…
We've put together a list of tips for working safely with air compressors in your environment! We recommend that you always read owners
manual before running your compressor. The number one cause for repairs and personal injury is improper use. You've got to remember to use
eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor and try to avoid using air compressors in a wet area.Â
Read More…
It's generally cost-effective to invest in an on-site industrial oxygen generator. If using bottled or liquid oxygen, you can save 50-90%
per unit of O2.
Read More…
Air Compressor Installation Tips
Installing Your Reliable Air Compressor
So, you've just bought an efficient and reliable ALUP air compressor? Welcome to the world of compressed air.
As your partners in compressed air, we will continue to assist you along your journey. We have provided air
compressor installation
tips to ensure you get the most out of your air compressor. Read More…
Piston compressors – also known as reciprocal compressors – are designed to work within certain limitations. Find out more about them here.
Read More…
You may think you know pretty much everything there is to know about vacuums. You push one around your house to pick up dust on the floor
and that’s about all there is to it.
Read More…