Variable Speed Driver, usually referred to as VSD for short, is a symbol of the compressed air field. The air compressor equipped with VSD can automatically adjust its operating speed to accurately match the compressed air demand in real time. Considering that the biggest aspect of the total cost of ownership of a compressor is the electricity it consumes, not the purchase price of the air compressor itself, this is especially important in terms of energy saving!
On average, depending on the scale and type of application, VSD technology can reduce these energy costs by 35% to 50%. Turning this percentage into an expense can save a lot of money.
What is the difference between a power frequency compressor and an inverter compressor?
Let's first understand some of the differences between industrial frequency and inverter compressors. The fixed-speed compressor is usually a simple machine with low upfront cost. Turn on the power frequency compressor and let it run at full speed until it needs to be turned off. This is not a complicated concept.
Inverter compressors are not manufactured for continuous operation at full speed. It does more than just run and stop. Instead, they precisely match output to demand, making them more precise than fixed-speed compressors. This means that the initial investment in these machines may be greatly increased.
When should you consider inverter compressors?
Although inverter technology sounds like an ideal choice for any business, it is not always a suitable solution! Inverter compressors are an ideal choice for companies with fluctuating demands; facilities that run different processes can be considered. The specific situations that may need to be equipped with an inverter compressor include:
>The demand for compressed air varies significantly between different jobs;
> Demand fluctuates with shifts, working days ((ie weekends) or seasonality; or production requires tight pressure bands.
If the process is consistent in operation and does not experience demand fluctuations, or these changes are not large, then the use of industrial frequency compressors may be the appropriate choice.
It is also possible to consider a solution that combines a power frequency compressor and an inverter compressor. The power frequency compressor provides a base load, and one (or more) inverter compressors are "fine-tuned" to meet changes in demand.
What are the benefits of inverter compressors?
>Although inverter compressors have higher 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 inverter compressor is much narrower than that of the industrial frequency compressor. They work at lower delivery pressures while still maintaining the minimum operating pressure required by the air system. They can also provide a more stable discharge pressure for all compressed air applications throughout the facility.
>The net pressure of the inverter compressor can be set lower than the no-load pressure of the industrial frequency compressor.
>The inverter compressor can be started/stopped under the pressure of the whole system. No need to unload, saving time and effort. There is no loss of idling time, nor is there any loss of emissions that occurs during normal operation.
