Variable Speed Compressors for Improved Energy Efficiency

Fixed vs Variable Speed Drive Compressors

Traditional air compressors are fixed speed, meaning they run at a constant and consistent speed. This produces a fixed amount of compressed air per minute. There are many benefits to fixed speed compressor technology if your compressed air demand is constant and unchanging. However, this isn’t always the case. As fixed speed compressors are always operating at full-throttle, if all of the output is not required then energy is being wasted.

Furthermore, fixed speed compressors run unloaded as the stress of an engine start-up would put pressure on the motor. This can be a waste of energy as the machine is running without producing any compressed air. Variable speed compressors avoid this issue by matching the output with the demand created. By simply producing the exact amount of air being used by the downstream equipment, variable speed compressors help to improve plant efficiency.

Watch this video to see how a fixed speed compressor can be sequenced with a variable speed machine to precisely match output with network demand to save energy.

Benefits of a Variable Speed Compressor

No need to unload - the ability to start and stop under full system pressure.

Reduced power costs - no loss of energy through running unloaded.

Reduced power surges - avoid peak currents from starting air compressor motor.

More energy efficient - save 30% of the energy used by a typical fixed speed compressor.

Precise electrical control - motor speeds can be slowed down, brought to a halt or revved up.

System leaks minimised - lower system pressure reduces the risk of leaks.

Could I benefit from a Variable Speed Drive Compressor?

Many air compressor installations will benefit from the efficiency variable speed drive technology provides. Whether you are in the food and beverage industry, automotive, medical industry or even manufacturing, there will be times when your demand for compressed air will vary.

A combination of both variable and fixed speed compressors is thought to be the most cost-effective and advantageous set-up, resulting in the most energy saved and demands met.