Rotary-screw air compressors have variable-speed drive
Ingersoll Rand
The latest models in the Next Generation R-Series compressors (photo) incorporate advances in variable-speed drive (VSD) technology to increase air flow output by up to 15%, reduce energy costs by up to 35% and increase reliability, says the company. The RS30n and RS37n VSD models use totally enclosed, fan-cooled (TEFC) motors and Xc-Series controllers, which have customizable units of measure and built-in sequencing for up to four compressors. The controllers communicate directly to the inverter drive to determine the running speed of the air end. By limiting in-rush current during startup, minimizing peak power charges and lowering overall energy usage, both models decrease energy use during startup, which can draw up to 800% of the full load current.— Ingersoll Rand, Davidson, N.C.