subject: Variable Speed Air Compressors [print this page] To understand what a variable speed air compressor is and how it works, it is important to understand air compressor basics. An air compressor is a device that forces air into a chamber where the volume is then reduced in order to compress the air. Compressed air means a lot of potential energy, which can be used to power tools and equipment. A variable speed air compressor is an air compressor that has adjustable speed drive controls to save energy.
A variable speed air compressor works in the same way as a rotary screw compressor. In fact, the variable speed air compressor can be a type of rotary screw compressor. These work by allowing air to enter the screw compressor intake, where it is forced into a smaller and smaller space by two rotating screws that mesh together. This cavity is also flooded with oil. As the screws turn, the job of the oil is to cool and close any gaps during compression. The screws rotate in opposite directions, moving the air from one end of the screws to the other. After being moved down the length of the screws the air, now mixed with oil, is discharged. The gas and the oil mixture are now sent into a separation chamber; the oil drains into a sump tank and then to a cooler while the air leaves, is cooled, and then flows into a storage tank. The oil is cooled before being reused and returned to the air compressor, while the air will leave the sump tank and air compressor in a constant flow.
Compared to other kinds of air compressors, variable air compressors give you the air required while using less energy. Variable speed air compressors change the speed of compression in order to use no more electricity than is absolutely necessary. Therefore they are very energy efficient, which can be an enormous benefit to a business, as a significant portion of most factories electricity bills can be attributed to compressed air. Variable speed air compressors are especially useful in environments in which demands for air are greater at certain times than at others. Other benefits are the reduced power surges and increased lifespan of the compressor. This machines downside is that it tends to be more expensive than other kinds of air compressors. If youre not sure whether a variable speed compressor would be a good investment for your facility, an air audit can be performed to determine what compressed air system would be most cost and energy efficient for you.
