Variable Speed Compressors

Variable speed compressors are also know as variable speed drive compressors, and are air compressors that take advantage of variable speed drive technology. Variable speed compressors employ a special drive which controls the RPM speed of the compressor, and this in turn saves energy when compared to its fixed speed equivalent. The most common form of variable speed air compressor technology used in the air compressor industry uses a variable-frequency drive, and this is used to convert the AC input power to DC and then back to a quasi-sinusoidal AC power, with the use of an inverter switching circuit. The main benefits of variable speed compressors are, reduced power cost, reduced power surges, and the delivery of more constant pressure. The downside to variable speed compressors is the heavy expense of the drive and their sensitivity to heat and moisture.