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Why a Variable Speed Compressor?

How to know a VSD compressor is the right pick?

Speed control of a compressor is regulated by a variable speed drive, often known as VSD. This option uses the variable-speed drive technology to control the speed of the compressor based on what is being demanded from the compressor.

Is a VSD right for me?

A variable speed compressor is not for every application. VSD rotary screw compressors need to be ran in a location that is in need of 24/7 compressed air and has a changing demand on the amount of air needed. If your compressed air needs are constant, or even mostly constant with only occasional slight variations, a variable speed compressor may not be necessary. With variable speed drive air compressors, the unit makes adjustments to match the demand needed. The motor runs only at the speed you need, giving you the right amount of compressed air at the right pressure, and at the right time.

Advantages of a Variable Speed Compressor

- Reduced energy consumption (in the proper application) - Quieter than a fixed speed when running at a lower RPM - Consistent plant pressure - Increased component lifetime - Less maintenance cost and ease of maintenance - Low inrush current during motor starts - Compact total solutions available - May qualify for energy incentives The inverter in the VSD system performs a โ€œsoftโ€ start operation by ramping up the motor speed. This removes amperage draw peaks that are normal when a fixed speed motor starts. The soft starting used by a VSD compressor also helps protect electrical and mechanical components from the starting mechanical stresses that can reduce the life of an air compressor.

A huge benefit to a VSD compressor is reducing power cost, minimizing power surges and delivering a more constant pressure needed. When there is minimal demand, the drive runs slower using less electricity. The higher the demand, the VSD runs wide open and can operate anywhere in between depending on the system demand for air.



Flexibility

With our VSD line-up, we have the combination you need to fit your business. Tank, base-mounted, full-featured? We have what you need.



Save Energy & Money

Achieve average energy savings of 35-50% and an average 22-37% reduction in life-cycle cost.



Did you Know?

Power companies usually will impose penalties for amperage peaks in the form of higher rates. These are common with fixed speed compressors.



What's Right for your business?

Customization options include energy recovery to reduce energy bill and canopy heaters for low temperature installation


Browse our range of rotary screw compressors and variable speed compressors

Below 50HP - Screw Air Compressors

Chicago Pneumatic rotary screw air compressors are built on the very robust platform and feature state of the art controller and high-efficiency screw element.

The Ash Air range of oil lubricated screw air compressors are excellent all-in-one solutions for small and medium workshops, with energy cost savings of 30% - 35%. The most popular air compressors 10HP, 15HP, and 20HP are available as a full feature with integrated air dryer and receiver. More than 100 rotary air compressors available for sale from stock in Auckland and Christchurch.

Direct driven air compressors with variable speed drives offer high energy efficiency, a smooth start and prolonged life of the component parts, reduced system pressure and energy consumption.

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Above 50HP - Screw Air Compressors

For power above 45 kW we offer ALUP air compressors, designed and manufactured in Europe. We installed Alup rotary screw air compressors at dozens of sites in New Zealand for food processing, at timber plants and other industrial sites.

These high-efficiency rotary screw air compressors feature variable speed drives, remote monitoring and heat recovery options. ALUP air compressor is covered by an optional 5 years warranty.

The three most popular air compressors 45 kW, 55kW and 75 kW are available for sale from stock in Auckland. Chat to our experts, we will help you to answer questions about what can you use the compressor for, what compressor is the best and learn all about air compressor efficiency.

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Oil Free - Screw Air Compressors

The team at AshAir specialises in oil-free or oil-less scroll compressors with zero risk of oil contamination, and are ideal for critical applications including medical, pharmaceutical, dental, R&D, food & beverage, wine and brewery. Our 100% oil-less scroll compressors are designed with fewer moving parts, which means less wear and tear, less noise, higher efficiency and reliability, and a longer machine life .

These scroll compressors use cutting-edge scroll technology where the spirals never contact each other, and no lubrication is needed, making them completely oil-free. Our SPR 20 Multi oil-less scroll compressor operates with variable air delivery, controlled by an intelligent controller for air delivery supplied according to the fluctuation of air demand. This means a higher energy efficiency and more stable system pressure.

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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and weโ€™ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

  • Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Nitrogen
  • An extensive line of air treatment components

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US

Read more from our #expertcorner


Just like any other equipment, a compressed air installation also requires the necessary maintenance work during its entire lifespan. Even though maintenance costs are only about 5 to 10% of a machine's annual operating costs, failure to budget for maintenance can have potentially disastrous consequences.


The air dyer is one of the most ignored cooler in the system. A dirty condenser will cause water in the lines, or worse it will cause complete dryer failure.


Using nitrogen is not about fully replacing CO2, but it can reduce their consumption of CO2 by close to 70%. Using nitrogen is about sustainability. Creating your own nitrogen is easy and will reduce the use of a greenhouse gas, which is better for the environment. It will also save you money as early as month one adding that savings to your bottom line.


A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?'ย  This article looks at the product costs involved with compressed air, as well as minimising the energy cost of compressors and cost allocation. When looking at these factors, we need to realise what causes dropped efficiency of your compressor, leading to increased costs of compressed air.