Energy savings halved with Atlas Copco’s 4th generation VSD+ compressors

2nd November 2017

Energy savings halved with Atlas Copco’s 4th generation VSD+ compressors

Atlas Copco Compressor Technique is proud to introduce its 4th generation VSD+ compressors - the GA75-110VSD+!

“This 4th generation which follows hot on the heels of the GA37- 75 VSD+  compressors we launched in 2016 is the biggest generation of VDS+ compressors for Compressor Technique’s Industrial Air Division,” says Business Line Manager for Industrial Air, Charl Ackerman.

“Compressed air, much like electricity, is a utility that is critical to most production processes. So, their core business and not the source of their compressed air should be our customers’ primary focus,” states Ackerman. “Ensuring that our customers’ compressed air systems are seamless, efficient and cost effective to help keep their electricity bills and production costs to a minimum is therefore our focus.

The compact, smart, efficient and reliable Atlas Copco GA75-110 VSD+ fulfills all these requirements perfectly for complete customer peace of mind.”

Industry is constantly looking for ways to enhance energy efficiency, energy savings, and energy recovery, and reduce carbon emissions in order to remain competitive in a challenging economy. With energy consumption typically representing over 70% of a compressor’s life cycle cost, Atlas Copco recognised a tremendous opportunity to save energy and assist customers in curbing costs.

This gave rise to the development of ground-breaking, energy-efficient Variable Speed Drive PLUS (VSD+) technology which combines the company’s expertise and know-how on energy-efficient technology into one unmatched ultra-high efficiency solution. The boosting of the completely in-house developed GA VSD+ technology offers increased efficiencies that can cut energy bills by as much as 50% for lowest total life cycle cost and sustainable productivity for end-users.

Pioneered by Atlas Copco in 1994, VSD technology is fundamental to the company’s solid efficiency drive. VSD matches the compressor’s speed to the compressed air demand presenting an efficient option for operations where compressors are regularly run at below maximum capacity or where air demand profiles fluctuate.

According to Ackerman, motor speed regulation is the most efficient compressor control method where air demand varies “because the inefficient transition period between full and no load is eliminated which avoids excessive off-load power consumption.

Maintaining the net pressure band within 0.10 bar (15 psi), greatly reduces the overall average working pressure and energy costs.” Soft start will lend further flexibility as
gradual motor ramp-up avoids electricity surges. A reduced carbon dioxide emission is a further benefit offered by VSD technology.

Ackerman however does point out that VSD is not a one-size-fits-all solution and recommends a fixed speed compressor as the most efficient solution for applications that demand constant pressure or applications requiring air at maximum capacity 24/7.

“We have also improved the efficiency of our nitrogen generators,” states Ackerman. “In addition to the standard NGP we are also able to offer the enhanced NGP+. Our nitrogen generators incorporate PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology and can simply be plugged into an existing compressed air installation to delivers an independent, reliable, secure, flexible and cost-effective supply of nitrogen with purities of up to 99,999%.”

In closing, Ackerman points out the importance of regular and correct maintenance by trained technicians which he says is fundamental to the efficient performance of a compressor. “As part of our customers’ efficiency drive, we are thus seeing an unmistakable increase in demand for a total solution that includes said service and maintenance as well as the monitoring of compressed air installation which. Atlas Copco offers to assist end-users achieve lowest possible operational costs and sustainable productivity.”

Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area which comprises oil-free air and industrial air supported by an after-market service, supplies industrial oil-free and oil-injected compressors, gas and process compressors and expanders, air and gas treatment equipment and air management systems.

Atlas Copco Compressor Technique is proud to introduce its 4th generation VSD+ compressors - the GA75-110VSD+!

“This 4th generation which follows hot on the heels of the GA37- 75 VSD+  compressors we launched in 2016 is the biggest generation of VDS+ compressors for Compressor Technique’s Industrial Air Division,” says Business Line Manager for Industrial Air, Charl Ackerman.

“Compressed air, much like electricity, is a utility that is critical to most production processes. So, their core business and not the source of their compressed air should be our customers’ primary focus,” states Ackerman. “Ensuring that our customers’ compressed air systems are seamless, efficient and cost effective to help keep their electricity bills and production costs to a minimum is therefore our focus. The compact, smart, efficient and reliable Atlas Copco GA75-110 VSD+ fulfills all these requirements perfectly for complete customer peace of mind.”

Industry is constantly looking for ways to enhance energy efficiency, energy savings, and energy recovery, and reduce carbon emissions in order to remain competitive in a challenging economy. With energy consumption typically representing over 70% of a compressor’s life cycle cost, Atlas Copco recognised a tremendous opportunity to save energy and assist customers in curbing costs.

This gave rise to the development of ground-breaking, energy-efficient Variable Speed Drive PLUS (VSD+) technology which combines the company’s expertise and know-how on energy-efficient technology into one unmatched ultra-high efficiency solution. The boosting of the completely in-house developed GA VSD+ technology offers increased efficiencies that can cut energy bills by as much as 50% for lowest total life cycle cost and sustainable productivity for end-users.

Pioneered by Atlas Copco in 1994, VSD technology is fundamental to the company’s solid efficiency drive. VSD matches the compressor’s speed to the compressed air demand presenting an efficient option for operations where compressors are regularly run at below maximum capacity or where air demand profiles fluctuate. According to Ackerman, motor speed regulation is the most efficient compressor control method where air demand varies “because the inefficient transition period between full and no load is eliminated which avoids excessive off-load power consumption.

Maintaining the net pressure band within 0.10 bar (15 psi), greatly reduces the overall average working pressure and energy costs.” Soft start will lend further flexibility as gradual motor ramp-up avoids electricity surges. A reduced carbon dioxide emission is a further benefit offered by VSD technology.

Ackerman however does point out that VSD is not a one-size-fits-all solution and recommends a fixed speed compressor as the most efficient solution for applications that demand constant pressure or applications requiring air at maximum capacity 24/7.

“We have also improved the efficiency of our nitrogen generators,” states Ackerman. “In addition to the standard NGP we are also able to offer the enhanced NGP+. Our nitrogen generators incorporate PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology and can simply be plugged into an existing compressed air installation to delivers an independent, reliable, secure, flexible and cost-effective supply of nitrogen with purities of up to 99,999%.”

In closing, Ackerman points out the importance of regular and correct maintenance by trained technicians which he says is fundamental to the efficient performance of a compressor.

“As part of our customers’ efficiency drive, we are thus seeing an unmistakable increase in demand for a total solution that includes said service and maintenance as well as the monitoring of compressed air installation which. Atlas Copco offers to assist end-users achieve lowest possible operational costs and sustainable productivity.”

Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area which comprises oil-free air and industrial air supported by an after-market service, supplies industrial oil-free and oil-injected compressors, gas and process compressors and expanders, air and gas treatment equipment and air management systems.