October 27, 2023
Central air compressor controls explained - A quick guide
Many operations use more than one compressor. In many cases, having multiple smaller compressors will get the job done better and more efficiently than one large unit. In those cases, you can benefit from central control.
In this article, you will get an explanation of the central controllers for compressors.
Central control is a smart technology that helps compressed air users optimize their machines for maximum efficiency.
It will allow you to distribute your workload across all of your compressors. For example, you can maximize the longevity of your units by making sure they run the same amount of time.
Alternatively, you can prioritize efficiency. In that case, your central controller will prioritize your most efficient compressor to ensure you use as little energy as possible.
Atlas Copco offers different central controllers. Each has distinct benefits. Therefore, it is worth taking a close look at each of them before you make a decision on which to choose.
Central controllers for compressed air explained
Atlas Copco offers three central controllers: Equalizer 4.0, Equalizer 4.0 PRO and Optimizer 4.0, designed for different needs.
Let's look at all three to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Equalizer 4.0
The Equalizer 4.0 is a base model that is easy to install and program. It ensures the optimal operation of your individual units and your system as a whole. This central controller can help you reduce your pressure band and maintenance costs while also decreasing your downtime.
Equalizer 4.0 PRO
The Equalizer 4.0 PRO is more advanced. It offers reliable and smart machine control. With advanced visualization and trending data, you can easily monitor your compressor and AIRnet piping system's performance. On top, you have the possibility to integrate with SMARTlink.
In addition, this central controller offers excellent flexibility and ease of use. The Equalizer 4.0 PRO is a great choice for users who want advanced features while keeping their capital expenditures down.
Optimizer 4.0
The Optimizer 4.0 is our most performant central controller, designed for compressed air users who want it all.
This gives its users the capability to enhance every element of their air compressors' performance.
This translates into
- extra energy savings,
- a very low total cost of ownership,
- less CO₂ emissions
However, the Optimizer 4.0 offers a wide range of additional functionalities. It offers advanced compressor and process visualization to allow you to keep an eye on all of your units. And its extended connectivity features always put your mind at ease. Because you can rest assured that this central controller takes care of everything for you.
Air compressor controls compared
Comparing Equalizer 4.0, Equalizer 4.0 PRO and Optimizer 4.0
It’s not just their technology that sets Equalizer 4.0, Equalizer 4.0 PRO and Optimizer 4.0 central controllers apart.
- The Equalizer 4.0 can monitor and manage up to six compressors and monitor different dryers.
It ensures a minimal unload time and is able to reduce your pressure band. That can result in significant energy savings. Keep in mind that every pressure reduction of one bar yields about 7% in energy savings. - The Equalizer 4.0 PRO can control up to eight machines and comes with some optional connectivity options. It can equalize the running hours of these units and offer a reduced pressure band. That not only saves energy but also ensures the equal usage of all your compressors.
- The Optimizer 4.0, on the other hand, can control up to 30 machines, 30 dryers, and three AIRnet systems.
The energy monitoring possibilities that are optional for the Equalizer 4.0 PRO are standard for the Optimizer 4.0.
- reduces your energy consumption by finding the lowest possible overall energy consumption for the current flow demand.
- increases your machine lifetime by keeping the machines at their most optimal operating points and avoiding unnecessary stress and damage.
- saves you money by lowering your energy bills and maintenance costs.
- improves your productivity by ensuring that your machines are always ready to meet the flow demand and avoiding downtime.
The Optimizer 4.0 ensures reduced load cycles. In addition to securing equal wear, these advanced central controllers also ensure energy optimization as well as flow control. And, thanks to its visualization features, you can always keep an eye on energy insights and external measurements.
The Equalizer 4.0 PRO and Optimizer 4.0 improve your compressed air system's reliability with maintenance management.
The Optimizer 4.0 edge for different compressors
If you operate only the same size of units, then the Equalizer 4.0 PRO controllers are a perfectly fine choice. The controllers will simply start the next machine in sequence based on a central pressure measurement.
The Optimizer 4.0, however, knows the type, size, flow, power and status of your machines. This allows these central controllers to decide which units to start/stop next to optimize their performance and efficiency.
And that allows you to enjoy the full Atlas Copco smart central controls offering. You get to save energy and CO₂, reduce your total cost of ownership and take your operation to the next level.
We hope this guide has given you a handy overview of the different central control technologies. If you still have questions and want to get compressor controls explained by one of our experts, contact us today!
