COMPRESSED Air and Power Systems says buyers of new compressors should look into the energy efficiency benefits of Variable Speed Drive (VSD) air compressors.
According to CAPS Australia, energy efficiency is more critical than before, as electricity prices are set to double over the new few years, and the Australian government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Compressed Air and Power Systems claims that unlike on/off load and Variable Output Compressors (VOC), VSD compressors can reduce power costs, lower green house gas emissions and allow operators to take advantage of money saving utility tariff plans.
Many power companies offer attractive electricity tariffs to firms that do not exceed pre-agreed 'peak amps' demand. If the customer exceeds the allowable peak amps, the power company imposes severe penalties on the tariff charged.
According to Compressed Air and Power Systems, Variable Output Compressors typically require 3 to 6 times their normal running current at start up, meaning they can easily be the cause of tripping the peak amps and increasing the electricity bill.
In contrast, as VSD compressors such as the Ingersoll Rand Nirvana, with its Hybrid Permanent Magnet Motor, are soft start. These compressors do not draw more than full load amps at start up. Compressed Air and Power Systems says this guarantees that the compressor will never be the cause of exceeding peak load amps.