Precision is important to carry out uninterrupted industrial processes. Even the smallest of fault can lead to downtime resulting in a loss. For example, in several industrial processes, pipes freeze due to high humidity of the air. It further makes tools and equipment erode in the long run. To avoid this disruption, it is important to remove excess water vapour present in the air. In simple terms, the humidity of the air inside the industrial process unit should be monitored and controlled meticulously. Air dryers play an important role here. They efficiently remove moisture from the compressed air. Indo-Air, a leading air dryer manufacturer in Ahmedabad manufactures efficient air dryers that ensure that industrial processes run uninterruptedly for a long period of time. However, it is wise to upgrade air compressors from time to time for optimum efficiency. Currently, Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Air Compressors are the new favourite in the market due to a plethora of benefits that they offer.

What exactly is a VSD air compressor?

The frequency supplied to the drive motor on the air compressor is controlled by a variable speed drive (VSD). It enables the compressor to respond in real-time as per the system requirements. For example, the motor will run at a reduced speed if the demand is low and consume less energy and the frequency will be automatically increased when the demand for compressed air is higher. The demand for compressed air changes as per shift, day or season. VSD will make sure that CFM demands are met appropriately. This way, VSD is energy-efficient and cost-effective. There are various advantages of installing a variable speed drive air compressor in the industrial process plant. Especially, the companies with constantly changing needs for compressed air should opt for variable speed drive air compressors.

1.  It is energy efficient:

   The most attractive benefit offered by a VSD air compressor is energy savings. A fixed compressor draws the same amount of power regardless of low or high compressed air demand. On the other hand, VSD consumes less energy when the demand for compressed air is lower. Depending on the total volume of compressed air used in your unit, you can save a huge amount of money by installing energy-efficient VSDs. There are cases in which operators could cut down costs for compressed air systems by 70% after upgrading to a VSD air compressor. So, VSD is a smart investment.2.      Starting currents can be lowered:

2.   Starting currents can be lowered:

   Fixed speed motor when turned on consumes a lot of energy. Compared to that, the VSD controlled motor can start with lower currents. In order to initially energize a fixed speed motor, current as high as 600% of the operating current can be required. VSD converter uses a soft start/stop during operation. This reduces amperage peaks by controlling acceleration and deceleration levels. As a result, the stress on internal power distribution reduces. Sometimes units are penalized by power companies for large amperage spikes. By upgrading to VSD, you can avoid that straight away.

3.  Optimized system performance:

   A VSD motor can help you optimize systems and reduce downtime. It optimizes the speed of the motor and performance of the compressor, reducing stress on mechanical and electrical components of the system. This directly increases the longevity of the system.

4.  Stable plant pressure: 

   Plant operations can be carried out efficiently only when the provided pressure is consistent. VSD air compressors make this happen. In a fixed speed compressor, airflow is controlled through the inlet valves. Due to this, it operates within wide pressure bands. These bands can be as high as +/-10-30 PSIG. It shows the huge amount of variation during the course of operation. In a VSD compressor, the pressure is controlled through electronic controls. This has much high tolerance and it typically operates within a +/-1.5 PSIG pressure band. VSD air compressor ensures that all the applications utilizing compressed air in the unit get consistent discharge pressure. Even when the delivery pressures are low, due to tighter tolerance, VSD compressor is capable of operating and maintaining minimum working pressure for the system.

With an increasing demand for VSD air compressors, many air dryer manufacturers in Ahmedabad have extensively started its manufacturing. Several industrial processing units across the country are upgrading to VSD compressors and saving big bucks.