Is the air compressor necessary to be variable frequency?

Air compressors are not necessarily variable frequency. Air compressors are divided into two types: fixed frequency and variable frequency, and each has different characteristics and application scenarios.

Fixed frequency air compressor

• Working principle: Fixed frequency air compressor uses a fixed power frequency to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the compressor barrel to complete air compression.
• Features: There is no direct relationship between the power and load of a fixed-frequency air compressor. If it is operated under a small load, energy consumption will be wasted. In addition, since the air flow rate of the fixed frequency air compressor is unchanged during operation, the loss of consumable parts such as air filters, oil filters, and oil dividers is large and regular replacement and maintenance is required.
• Price: The price of fixed frequency air compressors is relatively cheap.

Frequency converter air compressor

• Working principle: The frequency converter uses a frequency converter to change the speed and frequency of the motor, thereby achieving accurate control of the output pressure of the air compressor. This design allows the inverter air compressor to adjust its working status according to actual needs and avoid unnecessary waste of energy.
• Features:
  • Energy saving and consumption reduction: The inverter can adjust the motor speed according to changes in air demand, thereby achieving energy saving and consumption reduction. Compared with fixed frequency air compressors, variable frequency air compressors can save energy consumption by more than 30%.
  • Still smooth operation: The screw air compressor with variable frequency control has better load characteristics and stronger adaptability. When the load changes, the inverter can achieve accurate speed control and timely adjust the machine’s output power to avoid waste of energy consumption caused by the instant start and stop of the machine.
  • Extend the life of the equipment: The frequency converter can reduce the mechanical wear and thermal load of the equipment by controlling the speed of the motor, thereby extending the service life of the equipment.
  • Reduce site occupation: After some local optimization of power supply and pipelines, the screw air compressor under the control of the inverter can achieve a smaller size and simpler configuration, reducing site occupation.
• Price: The performance and power of the frequency converter is higher, so the price is also relatively high.

Select suggestions

When choosing an air compressor, users should consider comprehensively based on their work needs and budget. If the production environment requires high air pressure stability, or requires a long timeIf the frequency converter is continuously operated and the budget allows, then the frequency converter may be a better choice. If the production environment does not require high air pressure stability or has a limited budget, a fixed frequency air compressor is also a feasible option.