How much air do you need now?
When less air is needed, the inverter reduces motor speed.
Fixed speed
The motor alternates load and unload.
Includes unloaded running
With inverter
Motor speed follows demand.
Output adjusts to demand
Hypothetical, normalised values, not an estimate for your plant. Reference: fixed-speed full-load power = 100.
How to read the comparison
Both systems meet the same air demand at equal pressure and over the same time. This example assumes 28% unloaded power for fixed speed; the inverter model assumes power proportional to flow and 3% drive losses at full load. These are not product performance curves.
Actual results depend on demand profile, sizing, pressure, storage and losses. At constant full load the advantage may disappear.
Operating principle: Atlas Copco, VSD · load/unload control.
- 01
Reads pressure
The sensor detects changes in the air network.
- 02
Adjusts the motor
The inverter adjusts frequency and motor speed.
- 03
Follows demand
The compressor matches air production to demand.
Inverter technology in detail
THE REDUCTION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION REPRESENTS A FUNDAMENTAL PART FOR THE SAVINGS OF EVERY COMPANY
