Atlas Copco Introduces New Energy Efficient GA VSDS Compressor

Atlas Copco announces the launch of a new generation of its variable speed drive (VSD)  compressors. Offering energy savings of up to 60%, the GA VSD^S leads the way in energy-efficient, sustainable compressors. Thanks to its pioneering smart features, the GA VSD^S can adapt and optimize its operation for each customer. The new technology will be available first in the 30-50 horsepower (22-37 kW) GA oil-injected screw compressor range.   

The GA VSD^S is the third generation of Atlas Copco variable speed drive (VSD) compressors. VSD compressors significantly reduce energy consumption by adjusting their motor speed to the fluctuations in compressed air demand. When Atlas Copco introduced the technology, a first-generation VSD compressor achieved energy savings of up to 35% compared to a fixed-speed compressor. That number increased to 50% when the VSD⁺ update was launched. Now, the GA VSD^S offers energy savings of up to 60%. In 2020, Atlas Copco celebrated the 25^th anniversary of their first VSD compressor launch.

What makes Atlas Copco’s GA VSD^S the most energy efficient compressor on the market?

Sustainability

Its unrivaled energy efficiency gives the GA VSD^S industry-leading sustainable credentials. A recent survey conducted by Atlas Copco in the United States highlighted that the United States can save around 13 billion kWh annually in electricity associated with compressed air — which would remove ~9 million metric tons of CO2 annually. The launch of the VSDs is an important step in being able to continue to deliver savings to compressed air customers.

Sustainability was also a guiding principle in the design of the GA VSD^S. In addition to its minimal number of components, it is the first compressor to feature an IE5 ferrite-assisted synchronous reluctance motor, eradicating the need for the use of increasingly precious and rare earth materials.

"The VSD^S offers true sustainable innovation,” says Stef Lievens, Vice President Marketing of the Atlas Copco Industrial Air Division. “As climate change affects us all, Atlas Copco has made sustainable productivity our number one focus. There is no better example than the GA VSD^S meeting not just today’s standards but also those of tomorrow. It’s a truly transformative compressor for a rapidly changing industry."

Smart, flexible performance

The GA VSD^S is a powerful compressor with up to 20% higher free air delivery (FAD) than a fixed-speed equivalent. This provides customers a unique opportunity to select a lower horsepower compressor and still get the air they need.

The VSD^S introduces several smart features that allow it to adapt and optimize its performance to each customer’s applications, requirements, and conditions. The most important example is the Smart Temperature Control (STC) system, which ensures that the compressor operates with an optimal oil temperature at all times. As a result, it completely eliminates the risk of condensation while ensuring maximum compression efficiency.

The GA VSD^S also comes with the all-new Boost Flow Mode, which gives customers the freedom to temporarily and safely exceed their compressor’s maximum capacity.

Superior connectivity

The GA VSD^S comes with industry-leading connectivity features. These include its advanced Elektronikon^® Touch controller, the EQ2i multiple compressor control (integrated as standard), SMARTLINK remote monitoring and analysis, and OPC UA integration for connected production environments.

Small and quiet

With sound levels as low as 63 dB(A), the GA 22-37 VSD^S does not require a compressor room. It can be installed on the production floor. Thanks to Atlas Copco’s now familiar vertical, compact design, the compressor takes up very little space.