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Variable speed drive compressors

Determine the right type of air compressor for your needs

Compressors play a crucial role in countless industries and applications. That means today’s compressor – your compressor – must meet a wide range of requirements. In this article, we will look at the 7 most important compressor demands, and why Atlas Copco variable speed drive (VSD) machines are the only type of compressor that meets all of them. 

  1. Reliability: Since compressors plays a key role in production, their reliability must be unqualified. Downtime and breakdowns come with a huge cost. 

  2. Efficiency: With today’s high energy prices and the push for lower energy use, it's important to find an energy-efficient compressor.  

  3. Sustainability: As government regulations become stricter, it’s time to start modernizing your set-up, including your compressor. Energy-efficient equipment can help meet your climate goals by lowering your CO2 emissions.

  4. Tailored to your needs: Every production environment is different. You don’t just need any standard compressor. You need the one that meets your specifications, standards, and priorities. 

  5. Connectivity: For companies running a smart factory, investing in easy-to-install, connected smart equipment will make life a lot simpler.  

  6. Compact and quiet: If your compressor sits on your production floor, you need it to be a compact and quiet presence. 

  7. The right size: The wrong size compressor can hinder your production efficiency and reliability. Getting sizing right matters.  

With many different technological innovations available, it can be hard to know which air compressor meets all or even some of these needs. The latest Atlas Copco variable speed drive rotary screw compressors are the first to check all of these boxes.

The newest VSD rotary screw air compressor models

Variable speed drive compressor

VSD air compressors can be the optimal choice for most industries and applications. This ability to meet nearly any need is due to how these machines adapt their motor speed to the fluctuations in air demand. By comparison, traditional fixed-speed (FS) models operate at a constant level of high pressure.

 

When combined with the latest innovations found in the Atlas Copco VSDs models, you can save up to 60% on energy expenses. These savings are created by the state-of-the-art components found in our GA VSDs compressors.

On board innovations

Atlas Copco VSDS machines come equipped with a new element, a Ferrite-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance (FASR) motor, a Neos Next Inverter, and Smart Temperature Control (STC) System.

 

Benefits offered by the FASR motor include IE5 efficiency, and the way they’re constructed without rare earth metals. The Neos Next Inverter provides IP54 dirt protection and combines the functionality of one electrical cubicle into a compact unit. Lastly, the STC ensures ideal injection temperature control. With all these components included, the GA VSDS air compressor is a powerful machine that adapts its performance to its operational environment – and to your needs. Also, with optional Energy Recovery, these machines can re-use up to 80% of heat generated.


For maximum connectivity, the VSDS are equipped with SMARTLINK technology and OPC UA. SMARTLINK provides real-time data, insights, and analytics to help maximize performance. OPC UA helps you integrate our VSDS seamlessly into your smart factory

Sizes & types of compressors for your company’s needs

Since there are many types of compressors, like VSD, it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your space and application. A major benefit of our VSDS air compressors is how they're vertically built. They pack a lot in a small footprint without taking up too much space. They are quiet too, forming a low-key presence on your manufacturing floor. 


To determine the right type of compressor, you’ll want to assess the amount of power and air flow required. Read our article on choosing the right size air compressor to properly evaluate your needs.

We’re here to help

If you have any questions about our GA VSDS or any other types of compressors, feel free to get in touch today


To keep your air compressors running at peak performance, it's recommended to perform regular maintenance and invest in OEM parts. By using our valves, oil, filters, pumps, and hoses, you'll ensure everything fits perfectly with your machine.


We also offer service plans to keep everything in good condition, so you can focus on operations.

Do you want to know more on variable speed compressors? In this e-book you will find out how a VSD can work for your business!

The 7 most important air compressor demands

Reliability
VSD reliable web block landscape
Reliability
Reliability is crucial with any air compressor set up, especially when downtime adds unexpected costs. Find out how to increase uptime with a VSD compressor.
 
Reliability is crucial with any air compressor set up, especially when downtime adds unexpected costs. Find out how to increase uptime with a VSD compressor.
Reliability is crucial with any air compressor set up, especially when downtime adds unexpected costs. Find out how to increase uptime with a VSD compressor.
Efficiency
VSD efficiency web block landscape
Efficiency
If you want to reduce electricity consumption, investing in a new variable speed drive (VSD) air compressor may be worthwhile.
 
If you want to reduce electricity consumption, investing in a new variable speed drive (VSD) air compressor may be worthwhile.
If you want to reduce electricity consumption, investing in a new variable speed drive (VSD) air compressor may be worthwhile.
Connectivity
VSD connectivity web block landscape
Connectivity
When choosing an air compressor to work with your smart factory, you’ll want the latest features found in this article.
 
When choosing an air compressor to work with your smart factory, you’ll want the latest features found in this article.
When choosing an air compressor to work with your smart factory, you’ll want the latest features found in this article.
Tailored to your needs
VSD versatility web block landscape
Tailored to your needs
We know each company has different compressed air needs, which is why it can be hard to decide on the best air compressor. A VSD offers versatility for a custom performance.
 
We know each company has different compressed air needs, which is why it can be hard to decide on the best air compressor. A VSD offers versatility for a custom performance.
We know each company has different compressed air needs, which is why it can be hard to decide on the best air compressor. A VSD offers versatility for a custom performance.
Compact and quiet
VSD Web blocks quiet landscape
Compact and quiet
If you have your equipment on the production floor, rather than in a separate utility room, you’ll want a quiet air compressor. Learn about various options.
 
If you have your equipment on the production floor, rather than in a separate utility room, you’ll want a quiet air compressor. Learn about various options.
If you have your equipment on the production floor, rather than in a separate utility room, you’ll want a quiet air compressor. Learn about various options.
The right size
VSD sizing web block landscape
The right size
As you may know, industrial air compressors come in a variety of sizes to meet different industrial application needs. Find out why a VSD might be ideal.
 
As you may know, industrial air compressors come in a variety of sizes to meet different industrial application needs. Find out why a VSD might be ideal.
As you may know, industrial air compressors come in a variety of sizes to meet different industrial application needs. Find out why a VSD might be ideal.
Sustainability
VSD sustainable web block landscape
Sustainability
The newest air compressors from Atlas Copco are designed to be clean and energy efficient.
 
The newest air compressors from Atlas Copco are designed to be clean and energy efficient.
The newest air compressors from Atlas Copco are designed to be clean and energy efficient.

Learn everything about VSD technology:

What is VSD compressor technology?
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Learn the basics: VSD wiki
Learn the basics: VSD wiki
 
VSD technology explained
VSD technology explained
 
When to use a VSD compressor
When to use a VSD compressor
 

One solution for all your compressed air needs:

10 features that raise VSD+ compressors above the rest
10 features that raise VSD+ compressors above the rest
 
VSD versus VSD+
VSD versus VSD+
 
VSDˢ – Next-gen compressor performance
S de VSDs comp
VSDˢ – Next-gen compressor performance
VSD versus fixed speed
VSD versus fixed speed
 

Variable speed drive compressors

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