Atlas Copco GA VSD+ compressor range extended up to 37kW

The introduction of the GA 7-15 kW VSD+ range in 2013 led to a significant increase in the "VSD ratio': the relative number of Variable Speed Drive units on the total number of compressors sold worldwide. With the extension of the GA VSD+ compressor range up to 37kW, Atlas Copco expects to raise this ratio even further, benefiting not only customers but also the environment in general thanks to the increased energy savings on offer.

In addition to expanding the GA VSD+ range, Atlas Copco is also introducing its new "condensation prevention cycle' for Variable Speed Drive compressors. Thanks to an algorithm in the Elektronikon controller of the GA VSD+, condensation in the compression oil is prevented in all circumstances, even in those where the compressor is oversized for the application and has to deal with very low load conditions (where the compressor is operated for less than a minute every hour). This condensation prevention cycle is another important step towards the 80 per cent VSD ratio that Atlas Copco expects to see by 2018, since it allows compressor users to opt for a Variable Speed Drive and save 50 per cent on their compressor's electricity bill.

Atlas Copco takes pride in the variable speed drive technology they pioneered in 1994. Variable speed driven compressors adapt the speed of the compression element to exactly match the compressed air demand: for a standard VSD compressor, this means an energy saving of 35 per cent on average. The new, in-house developed VSD+ takes that figure even higher: an integrated permanent magnet motor drives the VSD+'s screw elements, realising energy savings of 50 per cent on average, compared with fixed speed models. With 13 per cent more compressed air output (Free Air Delivery) a VSD+ is even more efficient than its fixed speed counterpart, even at full load.

To make this innovation accessible to all compressor users, it is positioned in the market at the same price level as a standard Variable Speed Drive model. With this strategy, Atlas Copco wants to contribute to a more sustainable industry. Koen Lauwers, Vice-President Marketing of Atlas Copco's Industrial Air Division comments: "Since the launch of the VSD 7-15 VSD+ range, we have succeeded in selling more variable speed drive units. With the introduction of the larger GA VSD+ units (18-37kW), we expect even more VSD sales, more energy savings and a bigger impact on the environment in general. We believe the future of compressors is 100 per cent Variable Speed Drive."

Please go to www.atlascopco.co.uk to learn more about the extended range of GA VSD+ oil-injected screw compressors from Atlas Copco.