Some air compressor systems may run full throttle all day long—such as one place where I worked—because the air demand was continuous, and the machine could barely keep up. In such a situation, where there are air leaks and wasteful applications of air usage, there may not be a need for a variable speed air compressor system. But, for a carefully planned and engineered system, a variable speed compressor may be a good solution, depending on your needs.
Is a variable speed drive (VSD) air compressor the best solution for applications where demand fluctuates? The simple answer is “yes,” says Leo Di Bello, Atlas Copco compressors product specialist. “As proof, consider the rebates and other incentives that electric utilities and government agencies have historically offered to purchasers of VSD compressors.”