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Frequently asked questions

On this page you will find some of the most asked questions and answers on electric compressors.

Electric compressors

What is an electric air compressor?

An electric air compressor is the emission-free version of an air compressor. The machine converts electrical power into potential energy by compressing and pressurizing air. When this compressed air is released in a quick burst, kinetic energy is released. This energy can be used for operating a variety of industrial equipment.

How does an electric air compressor work?

An electric air compressor is a pneumatic machine that turns electricity into kinetic energy by compressing and pressurizing air. The kinetic energy is released when this compressed air is released in a quick burst which can be used for many purposes. An electric air compressor is easy to operate. You only need to connect your compressor unit to the electrical grid and you can immediately start using the machine.

What is an electric air compressor used for?

Electric air compressors are emission-free, low in noise and deliver more freedom. That makes them a perfect match for operations on difficult terrain or indoor use. The units only need access to an electrical grid and start working immediately.

What is the difference between an electric air compressor and a diesel variant?

An electric air compressor uses electrical power to compress air and create kinetic energy. A diesel variant needs diesel fuel to operate.

What are the benefits of an electric air compressor?

Electric air compressors have many benefits over non-electric ones. The machines make a significant difference to sustainable operations and reduces the user’s footprint. The unit does not produce emissions, is low in noise and easy to use. The total cost of ownership is lower than other variants and the machine has an increased reliability which leads to less downtime.

Are electric air compressors good?

Electric air compressors have many advantages compared to non-electric units. The machines produce no emissions, are low in noise and are easier to use. This makes the machines a perfect match for indoor use or places that are harder to reach. The total cost of ownership of an electric unit is a lot lower, since there is no need for diesel and the units need less maintenance.

What are the different types of electric compressors?

There are two types of electric compressors: Fixed Speed (FS) and Variable Speed Driven (VSD). The main difference between the two is the way the motor is controlled. A fixed speed compressor provides the motor with frequency and voltage at a consistent rate. A variable speed drive however automatically adjusts the motor speed and elements to the air demand.

How does an electric variable speed compressor (VSD) work?

A variable speed compressor (VSD) automatically adjusts the motor speed and elements to the air demand of your production. The compressor speeds up or slows down the motor according to the air that is needed. This means that a VSD unit can operate anywhere in the range between its minimum and maximum speed, and it automatically adjusts the speed so production of compressed air matches demand in real time. This capability conserves energy since the compressor doesn’t have to run flat out whenever it’s on, which leads to lowers running costs.

What is the advantage of an electric variable speed compressors (VSD)?

Variable speed compressors are efficient because they save energy by adjusting its speed to match the compressed air to the demand in real time. This reduces running costs. VSD compressors are a smart choice when demand for air varies by process or the time of day. When the demand fluctuates, a VSD compressor that varies its speed is much more energy efficient than a fixed-speed compressor that can only run flat out. Besides, VSD compressors don’t have a startup current, which ensures there is no electricity peak when starting up. This makes the compressors more reliable and sustainable.

How does an electric fixed speed (FS) compressor work?

As the name suggests, a fixed speed air compressor operates at the same speed whenever it’s running. By design, it always draws the amount of power needed to meet the maximum compressed air demand, even if demand is less than maximum. Because the speed of the motor can’t change, whenever the demand for air changes, an air inlet valve adjusts to allow either more or less air to flow out.

What is the advantage of an electric fixed speed (FS) compressor?

A fixed speed compressor is a smart choice when the demand for air is essentially constant. Automated equipment that consumes compressed air at a predictable and uniform rate is a good application for a fixed-speed compressor.

What are the applications an electric air compressor is used for?

Electric mobile compressors are used for all kind applications: handheld pneumatic tools, shotcrete blasting, pneumatic piercing, dimensional stone quarry drilling, underground jackleg drilling, abrasive blasting, dry ice blasting, cable blowing, water pipe maintenance, industrial back up air, fish farming, underground mining, bubble curtains, etc.

What is the main challenge of electric air compressors?

Electric air compressors need electric power to work, that’s why the presence of a suitable grid connection is required.

What electric air compressors does Atlas Copco offer?

Atlas Copco has a specific series of electric air compressors called the E-Air range. The E-Air range currently consists of seven different units with their own unique specifications. Within the variable speed drive machines there is the E-Air H185 VSD, E-Air H250 VSD, E-Air H450 VSD and E-Air V1100 VSD. The fixed speed models are the E-Air T400, E-Air T500 and the E-Air T900.

How long has Atlas Copco been working on electric air compressors?

Atlas Copco launched their first mobile electric unit, the E-Air, in 2018.

What is unique about Atlas Copco’s electric air compressors?

Atlas Copco has his own in-house developed electric motor and power electronic based on many years of experience in developing mobile equipment for the toughest applications. The motor is oil cooled and therefore able to withstand high humidity and dusty environments. The power electronics are liquid cooled and very reliable.

What is the total cost of ownership of the E-Air range?

When you invest in an E-Air electric air compressor, you’re not only investing in a sustainable solution. Savings on maintenance and energy costs will greatly reduce your total cost of ownership. Calculate your operational cost savings via the calculator on the general E-Air page (link at the bottom of this page).

What is the PACE technology?

PACE stands for Pressure Adjusted through Cognitive Electronics. It is an electronic regulation system built by Atlas Copco and installed on their electric air compressors. The technology allows you to set the pressure on your mobile compressor. Thanks to PACE, one machine can handle the job of three fixed-pressure machines.

What is the price of an electric air compressor from Atlas Copco?

To receive a quote from your local Atlas Copco Customer Centre, please fill out the form on the general E-Air page (link at the bottom of this page). Our sales representative will follow up with you with the quote information you requested.

Electric mobile compressors - product information
Electric mobile compressor with Variable Speed Drive
Electric mobile compressors - product information

Frequently asked questions

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