Testing the world’s first battery-driven screw compressor B-Air 185-12
December 8, 2023
Dutch infrastructure company Van Doorn was offered the opportunity to trial Atlas Copco’s B-Air 185-12 battery portable air compressor before its official market unveil. So, what was this company’s verdict?
Atlas Copco's battery driven portable compressor B-Air 185-12
Dutch infrastructure company Van Doorn trials the first battery-powered screw compressor from Atlas Copco
Van Doorn using the B-Air 185-12 for building crash barriers
Van Doorn got its hands on a prototype of Atlas Copco’s new battery powered portable air compressor in the beginning of this year, ahead of the unit’s official unveil in May. After using the B-Air 185-12 to support highway crash barrier installation and repair works, what is the company’s verdict?
Do batteries have a lasting part to play in the industrial sector’s future?
I have to be honest, we were a bit skeptical initially, based on the fact that it is solely battery driven. How long can it really last? But I’m happy to say that we’ve been thoroughly impressed by its performance. It operates efficiently all day, meaning we’re not only maintaining our productivity, but also gaining some extra advantages by opting for a low-carbon alternative.
Autonomy to run for at least a full working shift
Van Doorn’s expertise includes constructing and maintaining infrastructure, as well as traffic works and landscaping. Many of these projects take place on remote sites where regular access to grid electricity is not available. The B-Air’s onboard power pack means the site team has benefitted from the autonomy that the unit offers, while still enabling them to work a full work shift. With power delivered from its onboard battery storage, in operation a fully charged B-Air is independent of the need for fuel or a local power source to plug into, eliminating localized emissions and bringing full portability to Van Doorn’s projects.
There are no local emissions, and it’s also surprisingly quiet with only 61 dB at 7 meters. I can say for certain that I would recommend the B-Air and will consider purchasing more B-Air units after trialing the prototype.
Van Doorn remained true to its word: the company purchased the first ever B-Air on the day of its market launch in Antwerp, Belgium. And during summer the company invested in yet another B-Air unit, taking another step closer towards adopting a more environmentally responsible way of working.
Our customers had come directly to us requesting a battery-driven compressor. The largest part of our customer-base works in infrastructure and aren’t located on construction sites, meaning a standard electric unit with a power cord just isn’t suitable for them.
Leading the transition to a low carbon future
Responding to its customer’s demands for a low-carbon and fully mobile electric compressor, Perslucht Wilda contacted Atlas Copco to join forces in developing a solution. The final prototype was then offered to a handful of Perslucht Wilda’s customers – including Van Doorn – to trial. The rest, as they say, is history.
There is already a major push for battery-powered solutions – on a governmental and societal level, but also from companies. For Atlas Copco and our partner Van Doorn, developing the B-Air was an obvious step in a more sustainable direction. Atlas Copco ultimately wants to support all our customers – and their customers – in adopting energy efficient practices, so that together we can help to reduce our environmental footprint.
Do you want to learn more about the B-Air testing? Check out these videos:
Atlas Copco product experts introducing the first B-Air
Van Doorn, a Dutch infrastructure company, putting the B-air to the test
Perslucht Wilda, Atlas Copco distributor in The Netherlands, testing the B-Air