Variable Speed Compressors
Variable vs Fixed – Maximising Efficiency & Reducing Costs
- What is a variable speed compressor?
- Variable speed vs fixed speed
- How can variable speed compressors help you maximise your efficiency & reduce your costs?
Most air compressors run at a consistent ‘fixed’, which generates a constant amount of compressed air output per minute. Very few applications require a constant amount of compressed air, leading to wasted compressed air and unnecessary energy loss. Variable speed compressor are equipped with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) also known as a Regulated Speed Drive (RSD), which automatically adjusts and adapts the air compressor’s operating speed to its exact compressed air demand. This makes them ideal for applications and operations where compressed air demand fluctuates and is likely to change throughout the day, for example, in facilities that operate multiple processes or have different working shifts.
Variable Speed vs Fixed Speed:
Both variable speed and fixed speed have their benefits, but when it comes to efficiency, variable speed models typically come out on top – this is because:
- Fixed speed compressors will continuously operate which can often cause wasted energy and compressor air. Variable speed compressors, on the other hand, only operate when needed, which can drastically reduce energy costs, as your compressor is only using what it needs when it needs it. These savings typically equate to the additional investment into the VSD technology.
- Unlike fixed speed compressors, variable speed systems can start/stop under full system pressure. This eliminates the need to unload, maximising your efficiency and making it a cost-effective and time-efficient solution.
- Typically, in a variable speed compressor, the air system pressure is lower and more consistent, which minimises unexpected breakdowns and leaks.
How Can Variable Speed Compressors Help You Maximise Your Efficiency & Reduce Your Costs?
The highest air compressor-related cost plaguing facilities isn’t the equipment itself but rather the energy required to power it. Whilst we do offer high-performance fixed speed compressors at Aircare, we understand that variable speed technology is a fool-proof way to maximise efficiency and thus reduce your costs. Variable speed drive technology can reduce your energy costs by anywhere from between 35% to 50% depending on your application, the size of your equipment and its operating requirements. This is due to its ability to stop and start depending on your exact compressed air demands. Granted, some operations will require a continuous, reliable flow of compressed air, so a fixed speed compressor may be more effective. However, a fixed speed system is either on or off and can only operate at full capacity when on. So, for any facility with fluctuating demand, VSD technology is ideal to reduce wasted energy, thus maximising efficiency and reducing costs.
We offer variable speed compressors from CompAir (oil lubricated and oil free), Hydrovane and Champion.
Hydrovane HR07RS Air Compressor
Power: 7.5kW
Capacity: 6-10
BAR: 0-1.27 m3/min
Noise: 68 dB(A)
CompAir L11RS Air Compressor
Power: 11kW
Capacity: 7.5
BAR 0.63-1.81 m3/min
10 BAR 0.64-1.56 m3/min
13 BAR 0.57-1.26 m3/min
Noise: 64 dB(A)
Champion FM22RS Air Compressor
Power: 22kW
Capacity: 7
BAR: 3.5 m3/min
8 BAR 3.23 m3/min
10 BAR 3.06 m3/min
13 BAR 2.59 m3/min
Noise: 71 dB(A).
CompAir L37RS Air Compressor
Power: 37kW
Capacity: 7.5
BAR: 1.5-6.86 m3/min
10 BAR: 1.41-6.06 m3/min
13 BAR: 2.58-5.27 m3/min
Noise: 67 dB(A)
CompAir U75 Ultima Air Compressor
Power: 75kW
Capacity: 8
BAR: 6.7-12.5 m3.min
10 BAR 7.7-11.2 m3/min
Type: Oil Free
Noise: 63-64dB(A)
CompAir D160RS Air Compressor
Power: 160kW
Capacity: 10
BAR: 10.4-23.52 m3/min
Type: Oil Free
Noise: 79dB(A)
Not sure which compressor would work best for you? Get in touch!
From design and installation to system maintenance and monitoring, Aircare offers the complete compressed air package! Interested in any of our available regulated or variable speed drive air compressors? Why not give us a call and partner with our team today? For more information on any of our solutions or to arrange an appointment, please call 01536 403808 or email us at sales@aircarecompressors.co.uk. Alternatively, you can click here to contact us, and one of our team will be happy to help and answer any questions or queries you may have!
