VSD (transformer speed drive) compressor
Variable Speed Driver, commonly referred to as VSD for short, is a symbol in the field of compressed air. The air compressor equipped with VSD can automatically adjust its operating speed to accurately match the needs of compressed air in real time. Considering that the biggest aspect of the total cost of ownership of the compressor is the electricity it consumes, not the purchase price of the air compressor itself, this is particularly important in terms of energy saving!
VSD Compressor
On average, depending on the size and type of application, VSD technology can reduce these energy costs by 35% to 50%. Turning this percentage into a fee can save a lot of money.
What is the difference between a power frequency compressor and a frequency conversion compressor?
Let’s first take a look at some differences between power frequency and frequency conversion compressors. Fixed-speed compressors are usually simple machines with lower upfront costs. Turn on the power frequency compressor and let it run at full speed until it needs to be turned off. This is not a complex concept.
Inverter compressors are not manufactured for full-speed continuous operation. It doesn’t just run and stop. Instead, they accurately match the output to the requirements, making them more sophisticated than a constant speed compressor. This means that the initial investment in these machines may increase significantly.
When should I consider a frequency conversion compressor?
Although frequency conversion technology sounds ideal for any enterprise, it is not always a suitable solution! Frequency conversion compressors are ideal for enterprises with fluctuating demand; facilities that run different processes can be considered. Specific situations that may require a frequency conversion compressor include:
- The demand for compressed air varies significantly between different jobs;
- Demand fluctuates with shifts, working days (i.e. weekends) or seasonal fluctuations; or production requires tight pressure bands.
If the process is consistent in operation and there are no demand fluctuations, or these changes are not big, then using a power frequency compressor may be an appropriate choice.
We can also consider solutions that combine power frequency compressors and frequency conversion compressors, which provide basic loads, and one (or more) frequency conversion compressors “fine-tuning” to meet changes in demand.
What are the benefits of frequency conversion compressors?
- Although frequency conversion compressors have high initial investment costs, they repay the increased investment by saving energy. The greater the change in demand, the greater the potential savings.
- The working pressure range of the frequency conversion compressor is much narrower than that of the power frequency compressor. They work under lower conveying pressure while maintaining the minimum working pressure required by the air system. They can also provide more stable emission pressure for all compressed air applications throughout the facility.
- The net pressure of the frequency conversion compressor can be set below the no-load pressure of the power frequency compressor.
- The frequency conversion compressor can start/stop under system-wide pressure. There is no need to unload the goods, which saves both time and effort. There is no loss of idling time, and there is no emission loss in normal operation.