Di-Spark snaps up new Atlas Copco compressor technology, following successful trial

In September 2012, Atlas Copco Compressors invited long-term customer Di-Spark to trial the operation of its latest innovation - the energy- and space-saving, vertical aspect GA15VSD+ rotary screw compressor, which is powered by Atlas Copco's own in-house designed interior permanent magnet (iPM) motor. Di Spark retained the GA15VSD+ and now has now has five Atlas Copco compressors at its Horndean, Hampshire sire, three of which are VSD-type compressors. All of these units provide compressed air to Di-Sparks' advanced manufacturing technology equipment, such as 5-axis milling, multi-task mill-turn, wire erosion and spark erosion EDM systems. With processes already enjoying at least 35% energy saving from the company's existing Atlas Copco VSD compressors, the successful trial of the GA15 VSD+ unit contributed a further 15% reduction in energy consumption, equating to an overall 50% improvement over fixed-speed compressor equivalent performance. Atlas Copco's GA Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology automatically adjusts the motor speed to match the compressed air supply to the air demand. When combined with the innovative design of the iPM motor, which exceeds IE4 efficiency requirements, this results in an average energy saving of 50% and an average reduction of 37% in the lifecycle cost of a conventional fixed-speed compressor. A new, more efficient fan motor achieves yet another saving on specific energy requirement of up to 7% of the compressor power. Furthermore, thanks to the silent motor and fully-enclosed drive train, the compressor runs as quietly as 62 dB(A). With this new concept, Atlas Copco has also turned the compressed air industry on its head by redesigning the conventional layout of a typical air compressor. Instead of the normal horizontal design, the new GA VSD+ (which is available from 7 to 15 kW) has an upright, vertical, low footprint layout, designed to save floor and work space while improving maintenance access, even when the unit is placed against a wall. Says managing director David Light explains: "Over the years, we have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Atlas Copco and can rely on the performance and capability of their world-leading technology to contribute to our productivity. So we had no hesitation in accepting their request to trial their latest development, the GAVSD+ compressor. We are delighted with the outcome. As a result, not only are we saving an additional 15% on our energy consumption, but this vertical design compressor occupies less workshop space than conventional machines and is surprisingly quiet. Keeping noise to a minimum is important in our workplace. We see the VSD+ as a smart machine and a smart choice."