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 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.
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.
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.
Want to know more?
Relevant content
E-Air cost calculator
Calculate what you save when upgrading your mobile diesel air compressor to an electric driven compressor
Electrifying rental fleet for cleaner compressed air and lower running costs
When Atlas Copco launched their first electric mobile compressor, Arentis, an industrial equipment rental company in the Netherlands, didn’t hesitate to take the compressor into their fleet. Arentis and its customer explain how electrifying their compressor fleet contributes to cleaner and more cost-efficient operation.
Renovating an historical railway bridge with reliable compressed air
Our Lithuanian customer chooses reliable compressed air to renovate an historical railway bridge.