Atlas Copco launched the first VSD compressors about a quarter-century ago and revolutionized the market.
Instead of resting on its success, Atlas Copco has continued to develop the technology and has launched two other types of variable speed drives since then, the VSD+ and the VSDS.
Let’s take a look at how VSD compressors have evolved and which model might be the right choice for you.
This is the classic among compressors with variable speed drive. Compared to a fixed-speed compressor, a first-generation GA VSD model can drastically reduce your energy consumption and costs by up to 35%. Thanks to their outstanding reliability, these compressors remain a great option for operations with a variable air demand.
The GA VSD+ range is a true engineering marvel. It features an interior Permanent Magnet (iPM) motor that further boosts the efficiency of VSD compressors. Compared to idling compressors, that can mean energy savings of up to 50%.
While the initial investment is greater than that of traditional compressors and first-first generation VSD models, the energy savings quickly make up for that. Ultimately, the low operating expenses result in a much lower total cost of ownership of GA VSD+ models.
The entire drive train of these compressors is a closed circuit, where both motor and elements are cooled with oil. This provides additional energy savings.
Another major benefit of VSD+ compressors is that they can be installed flexibly. First, their vertical design has reduced the footprint of these compressors by 60%, which means they fit in more places. In addition, because there are no coupling or gears between the motor and the screw element, VSD+ compressors are exceptionally quiet. This allows for installation outside the compressor room, at the point of use.VSD+ compressors are built to last with robust components, which reduces service requirements. In addition, they are designed so that all parts are easily accessible, which facilitates maintenance.Finally, VSD+ compressors come with the state-of-the-art Elektronikon® smart controller system that features embedded connectivity with SMARTLINK. This allows simple and effective remote monitoring and integrates with plant management systems (See more below).
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Atlas Copco’s third-generation GA VSDS compressors are the industry’s gold standard and have raised the bar yet again in terms of efficiency, reliability, connectivity and sustainability.
This range does not just offer incremental improvements or a single innovation. Instead, VSDS compressors are a combination of decades of experience and everything that new technologies have to offer.
The result is a smart, adaptable compressor that benefits your operation, your bottom line and the environment.
It all starts with the new Neos Next inverter, in-house designed specifically for compressor applications. Combined with the new drive train, the Neos Next reduces the amount of energy needed by up to 60% compared to conventional compressors.
The efficiency of the GA VSDS series is boosted further by its Smart Temperature Control oil cooling system. This innovative technology combines multiple parameters such motor speed, ambient temperature and humidity to ensure that the compressor always runs at the optimal temperature. As a result, it eliminates the risk of condensation completely. The STC system makes the VSDS truly unique: It is the only compressor hat can measure the ambient conditions and then adapt its operation based on them.
The "s" in VSDs does not stand for "sustainability," but it might as well. That's because the new compressor series from Atlas Copco reflects our commitment to sustainable production with its industry-leading efficiency and can help you meet your climate goals.
First and foremost, there are the unprecedented energy savings. They won’t just reduce your operating costs but also your environmental footprint. And, because compressing air requires so much energy, that will make a massive difference in your eco balance.
However, the VSDˢ series does a lot more than “just” reduce your energy consumption – it was designed with sustainability as a guiding principle.
For example, it uses a minimal number of components and features an IE5 motor with sustainably sourced materials.
Then there is the “Boost Flow Mode,” which allows you to safely exceed the maximum capacity of the compressor when you need it most.
Finally, VSDS compressors come with the latest high-end connectivity features that allow you to remotely monitor your compressor. In addition, the latest-generation compressors are OPC UA enabled to be able to “talk” with your other manufacturing equipment more easily. You can find out more about OPC UA below.
The result of these innovations is a compressor that excels in the four key areas of efficiency, reliability, connectivity and sustainability.
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