Variable speed drive compressors

VSD technology for compressed air

Matching compressor output to real demand for efficient, stable operation

Compressed air demand varies with production cycles, equipment usage, and operating hours.

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology allows a compressor to continuously adjust its speed to match real air demand, supporting controlled pressure, efficient energy use, and predictable system performance.

What is Variable Speed Drive (VSD)?

A VSD compressor uses inverter technology to regulate motor speed based on actual system demand. Instead of operating at a fixed speed with load and unload cycles, air output is modulated continuously, reducing inefficiencies during partial-load operation.

Key benefits of VSD technology

Energy efficiency

Lower energy consumption during partial-load operation.

Pressure stability

Narrower pressure bands for consistent process performance.

Operational flexibility

Adapts to changing demand without manual adjustment.

Reduced mechanical stress

Fewer starts and unload cycles support long-term reliability.

Lower operating costs

Reduced energy use contributes directly to lower total cost of ownership.

System optimisation readiness

Supports integration with monitoring, control, and energy management strategies.

Explore Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Technology

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology can be explored from different angles, depending on what you need to assess. The sections below bring together clear technical explanations, verified facts, and practical insights to help you understand how VSD technology operates in real compressed air systems.

Together, they support evaluation beyond initial purchase price—highlighting how energy efficiency, pressure control, and operational flexibility influence total cost of ownership, payback potential, and long-term system value.

VSD Knowledge & Insights

VSD fact checks

VSD fact checks

More than air compressor

More than air compressor

VSD benefits

VSD benefits

VSD calculator

VSD calculator

Discover how Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology works in practice

Explore Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology through this video playlist, showing how speed control responds to real demand and supports efficient, stable operation.

Check out our list of videos on compressed air in our Wiki!

Click the top right corner of the video to view more videos in the wiki playlist

Check out our product video here!

To view more videos in the product playlist, click the top right corner of the video

Discover the VSD insights eBooks to elevate your reading experience like never before!

Are you interested in learning more about variable speed compressors? The e-books listed below will help you discover how a variable speed drive (VSD) can benefit your business!

Unlock VSD insights eBooks to enhance your reading experience.

A comprehensive checklist that you can complete on your own!

See our compressors with VSD technology

GA VSDs oil-injected screw compressor coverimage

GA 5-37 VSDˢ air compressor

When you need the best, choose VSDˢ. With energy savings of 60% on average compared to fixed-speed models, the GA 5-37 VSDˢ is the most energy-efficient compressor on the market. It also raises the bar in performance, reliability and connectivity to support your sustainability and productivity goals – now and in the future.

oil-lubricated screw compressor GA 160 VSD refrigerant air dryer FD 870 VSD, control unit Optimizer 4.0

GA (VSD) oil-injected screw compressors series

Our market-leading GA oil-injected rotary screw compressor deliver outstanding performance, high productivity and low cost of ownership - even in the harshest environments.

ZR & ZT (VSD) oil-free screw compressors

100% oil-free rotary screw air compressors. State-of-the art range for outstanding performance. Efficient, safe, reliable

AQ 30 VSD FF Water-injected screw compressor?

AQ water-injected oil-free screw compressors

Pure, oil-free air with AQ water-injected screw compressors. Available in compact water-cooled and air-cooled versions, meet your precise needs for pure, oil-free air. See how.

ZE 3 OEM_installation outdoor truck unloading_portrait

ZE&ZA (VSD) low pressure oil-free screw compressors

ZE&ZA low-pressure oil-free screw technology gives high performance even in heavy duty conditions. For low pressure air systems.

G series

G (VSD) oil-injected screw compressor (2-250 kW) for reliable high-quality air, avoiding costly downtime and production delays. Even in the harshest conditions.

ZS (VSD+) oil-free rotary screw blowers

Save up to 30% on energy by using our 100% certified oil-free variable speed drive (VSD+) ZS screw blower.

ZB 5-6 VSD+ installation picture complete room

ZB VSD+ oil-free centrifugal air blowers

Safeguard your production process and maximize your energy efficiency with our proven oil-free ZB direct drive centrifugal air blowers. With Variable Speed Drive.

Oil-free booster air compressor ZD (VSD)

The ZD(VSD) oil-free screw compressor and piston booster delivers high quality 100% oil-free dry air or nitrogen at medium and high pressure ratios.

DX&DN (VSD) oil-free reciprocating air and nitrogen boosters

Tuned to your specific process, our robust DX/DN (VSD) boosters deliver air and nitrogen in a broad pressure or flow ratio at high quality. Energy-efficient. See how.

Variable speed drive compressors