What is the difference between an industrial frequency compressor and an inverter compressor? What are the benefits of inverter compressors?

What is the difference between an industrial frequency compressor and an inverter compressor? What are the benefits of inverter compressors?

VSD (Variable Speed Drive) compressor:

Variable speed drive, often referred to as VSD for short, is the hallmark of the compressed air field. The air compressor equipped with VSD can automatically adjust its operating speed to accurately match the compressed air demand in real time. Considering that the biggest aspect of the total cost of ownership of a compressor is the power it consumes, not the purchase price of the air compressor itself, this is especially important in terms of energy saving! On average, depending on the scale and type of application, VSD technology can reduce these energy costs by 35% to 50%. Turn this percentage into an expense, and you can save a lot of money.

What is the difference between an industrial frequency compressor and an inverter compressor?

Let's first understand some of the differences between industrial frequency and inverter compressors. The fixed-speed compressor is usually a simple machine with low upfront cost. You turn on the power frequency compressor and let it run at full speed until it needs to be turned off. Not a complicated concept. On the other hand, inverter compressors are not manufactured for continuous operation at full speed. They do more than just run and stop. Instead, they precisely match output to demand, making them more precise than fixed-speed compressors. This means that the initial investment in these machines may be greatly increased.

When should I consider inverter compressors?

Although frequency conversion technology sounds like an ideal choice for any business, it is not always a suitable solution! Inverter compressors are ideal for companies with fluctuating demand; facilities that run different processes can be considered. The specific situations that may need to be equipped with an inverter compressor include:

> The demand for compressed air varies significantly between different jobs

> Demand fluctuates with shifts, working days (that is, weekends) or seasonality; or production requires tight pressure bands.

If your process is consistent in operation and does not encounter demand fluctuations, or these changes are not large, then using a power frequency compressor may be the appropriate choice.

You can also consider a solution that combines a power frequency compressor and an inverter compressor. The power frequency compressor provides the base load, and one (or more) inverter compressors are "fine-tuned" to meet changes in demand.

What are the benefits of inverter compressors?

> Although inverter compressors have a high initial investment cost, they repay the increased investment by saving energy. The greater the change in demand, the greater the potential savings.

> The working pressure range of inverter compressors is much narrower than that of industrial frequency compressors. They work at lower delivery pressures while still maintaining the minimum operating pressure required by the air system. They can also provide a more stable discharge pressure for all compressed air applications throughout the facility.

> The net pressure of the inverter compressor can be set lower than the no-load pressure of the industrial frequency compressor.

> The inverter compressor can be started/stopped under the pressure of the whole system. No need to unload, saving time and effort. There is no loss of idling time, nor is there any loss of emissions that occurs during normal operation.