Atlas Copco VSD compressors save 240m kWh in 20 years 18 September 2014

Atlas Copco Compressors, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its variable speed drive (VSD) air compressor technology, claims that UK industry has saved around 240 million kWh of electricity in that time.

The figure, based on a comparison with conventional fixed speed compressors, is equivalent to taking 42,460 cars off the road, in terms of carbon savings, and is the result of shaving up to 35% off energy consumption.

Commenting on the 20 year milestone, Paul Clark, business line manager for the Industrial Air division of Atlas Copco Compressors, indicates subsequent developments that have seen much smaller compressor sizes now able to incorporate VSDs.

He also points to the 2013 launch of its VSD+ range, offering an additional 15% improvement in energy savings –taking the total to 50% on average, and housed within an enclosure less than half the size of traditional fixed speed compressors.

Initially available in 7—15 kW options, the range was recently extended with models between 18—37 kW.

And this year (2014) has seen a further development, with Atlas Copco manufacturing its own inverter, the Neos, designed specifically to suit the tough and dusty working conditions of many compressor.

"The introduction of VSD technology into compressors was a huge breakthrough in 1994 but we didn't stop there," comments Clark.

"Our commitment to innovation has continued and in the past 12 months alone we have added the VSD+ range, which offers even greater energy efficiency, as well as our own Neos inverter.

"With products of this standard coming into the market, there is every reason to be confident that, in the near future, every new compressor sold will incorporate VSD."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Atlas Copco Compressors

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