Air compressors are already an extremely effective means of distributing energy, but new screw compressors are now expected to meet the demands of today’s market – they must use a minimal amount of energy. Producers are scrambling to create new lines of compressors that meet this unique need and show how conscientious they are of the environment to hold on to customers of all kinds. New items on the market are all tailored to this new call for an earth-friendly system that works just as quickly and with as much power as the originals.
Fixed speed compressor and cost-effective solutions are the new focus of the market, all without loss of IEER or IPLV quality. Some still require the variable speed solutions as well in order to match different needs for compressor customers who need a special capacity. Everyone wants everything, all with a green tint to each of the products.
A move to inverted scroll compressors has been one response to this call for more energy efficient and cost-cutting needs. They’re designed for smart, responsive operation that can change as needed as well as intelligent control and extremely high part-load efficiency. This may be the design that knocks the commonly used rotary screw and reciprocating piston design.
A screw compressor already makes the most out of an engine’s use of gas or fuel, so it is a bit surprising that this particular element could come under fire. Perhaps this is a reflection of the people who use them? As those who use energy in such an up-close and personal way, it can be easy to assume that professionals simply have a part of their craniums dedicated to energy and the opportunity to improve its flow.
These same brains may just spin at the sight of the new variable-speed compressors that are hitting the market. Variable Frequency Drivers, (VFD’s) are the new hopefuls to bring improved performance to air equipment as well as compressors. Make sure you get yours so you can feel as smug as the next guy about how high your performance is when compared to your pollution output.
Rounding out this trend is a focus on modulation, which several producers hope will be the key to happiness for makers and buyers. There are even new calls for multiples, which allows several tandem compressors to be linked together. Two-speed products or even digital modulation are catching the eyes of buyers who want products that can vary from a setting of 10 to 100.
Even the move toward smart electronics is gravitating towards screw compressors. Some soon-to-emerge products are now built with the capacity to give their users feedback as well as adapt to their environments. Now the compressors themselves can respond to more intense demand and do so without any extra controls or settings.
Whatever your needs or current use, be ready to see a new generation of products that makes what you currently use look as old and obsolete as your old cell phone. The future of compression control looks bright, thanks to the amazing people who work with it every day.