Over 80% of a compressor’s lifecycle cost is taken up by the energy it consumes. Moreover, the generation of compressed air can account for more than 40% of a plant’s total electricity bill. To cut your energy costs, Atlas Copco pioneered Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology in the compressed air industry.
Design & control for optimal efficiency
Designed for efficiency
We want to support you in achieving your sustainability targets by reducing your carbon footprint. Therefore, the entire machine concept focuses on energy efficiency, taking advantage of one of the best-in-class compressor technologies. Efficiency is realized by consuming as little energy as possible in the core of the compressor, the element. The ZE and ZA bring cool dense air into the package for optimal compression efficiency. The produced air flow is guided through the machine without unnecessary pressure drops. The element is driven by a highly efficient motor/drive combination by transmission through high precious gears to keep the losses at a minimum. The canopy is ventilated without using an auxiliary fan drive. The oil-cooler performs with a minimum of cooling air flow. The aftercooler fan is speed controlled only operating when really needed.
Screw technology
The biggest energy savings are realised by the highly efficient oil-free air screw technology, which has been further improved. The ZE and ZA superior oil-free screw element provide the optimum combination of high Free Air Delivery (FAD) with the lowest energy consumption.
- The cooling jacket reduces the mechanical stress allowing smaller clearances, which result in small leakages in between the rotors.
- The superior durably coating of the rotors and the rotor housing further minimizes any possible backflow in the element.
- The unique seal design diminishes airflow losses over element shaft.
- High-quality precision drive and timing gears result in low mechanical losses.
- Optimized airflow at the element intake and of the element outlet port to minimize pressure drops in the air flow.
- Tuned oil injection to bearings and gears allow high rotor speeds, consequently, the rotors can be smaller, and the rotating mass is minimized.
Up to 35% energy savings with VSD
Processes with a variable air demand, can benefit from having a compressed air installation with a Variable Speed Drive. Atlas Copco’s VSD technology closely follows the air demand by automatically adjusting the motor speed. This results in large energy savings of up to 35%. The Life Cycle Cost of a compressor can be cut by an average of 22%. In addition, lowered system pressure with VSD minimizes energy use across your production dramatically.
Legend
42% = Energy
35% = Energy savings with VSD
12% = Investment
11% = Maintenance
What is unique about the integrated Atlas Copco VSD?
- The Elektronikon® controls both the compressor and the integrated converter, ensuring maximum machine safety within parameters.
- Flexible pressure selection with VSD reduces electricity costs.
- Specific converter and motor design (with protected bearings) for the highest efficiency across the speed range.
- Electric motor specifically designed for low operating speeds with clear attention to motor cooling and compressor cooling requirements.
- All Atlas Copco VSD compressors are EMC tested and certified. Compressor operation does not influence external sources and vice versa.
- Mechanical enhancements ensure that all components operate below critical vibration levels throughout the entire compressor speed range.
- A highly efficient frequency converter in a cubicle ensures stable operation in high ambient temperatures up to 50°C/122°F.
- No ‘speed windows’ that can jeopardize the energy savings and the stable net pressure. Turndown capability of the compressor is maximized to 70-75%.
- Net pressure band is maintained within 0.10 bar, 1.5 psi.
*In-house design Neos converter
