Selection Principles for Air Compressor Drivers
An air compressor is the core component of an air supply system. It converts mechanical energy from a prime mover (usually an electric motor) into gas pressure energy, serving as a pressure generating device for compressed air.
Air compressors are widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, fuel, photovoltaic and other industries. How to select drivers for air compressors and what are the relevant selection principles?
Selection Principles for Air Compressor Drivers
The rotational speed of the driver shall match that of the driven compressor. This avoids mechanical losses caused by speed-increasing or speed-reducing gearboxes and simplifies the overall structure. Reciprocating compressors feature low rotational speed and are preferably driven by electric motors or natural gas engines. Centrifugal compressors operate at high rotational speeds and can be driven by gas turbines or steam turbines.
For drivers of process compressors in production facilities, priority shall be given to natural gas engines and gas turbines fueled by natural gas from the production plant, or steam turbines driven by self-produced steam. From the perspective of energy utilization, this arrangement eliminates power generation, power transmission and power transformation & distribution processes, bringing economic benefits and alleviating power shortages in oilfields. Auxiliary system equipment and medium & small-sized compressors are suitable for electric motor drive. In locations with sufficient power supply, electric motors can also be considered for medium and large compressors with power below 2500 kW.
The rated power of the driver shall be higher than the shaft power of the compressor. A power margin of 10% ~ 25% is generally reserved to cope with compressor overload and air commissioning tests.
For applications where the compressor discharge capacity is adjusted by changing the driver speed, the driver shall enable the compressor to reach its designed rotational speed.
The explosion-proof or fire protection grade of the driver shall be determined according to the ambient requirements at the compressor installation site.
Air compressors are widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, fuel, photovoltaic and other industries. How to select drivers for air compressors and what are the relevant selection principles?
Selection Principles for Air Compressor Drivers
The rotational speed of the driver shall match that of the driven compressor. This avoids mechanical losses caused by speed-increasing or speed-reducing gearboxes and simplifies the overall structure. Reciprocating compressors feature low rotational speed and are preferably driven by electric motors or natural gas engines. Centrifugal compressors operate at high rotational speeds and can be driven by gas turbines or steam turbines.
For drivers of process compressors in production facilities, priority shall be given to natural gas engines and gas turbines fueled by natural gas from the production plant, or steam turbines driven by self-produced steam. From the perspective of energy utilization, this arrangement eliminates power generation, power transmission and power transformation & distribution processes, bringing economic benefits and alleviating power shortages in oilfields. Auxiliary system equipment and medium & small-sized compressors are suitable for electric motor drive. In locations with sufficient power supply, electric motors can also be considered for medium and large compressors with power below 2500 kW.
The rated power of the driver shall be higher than the shaft power of the compressor. A power margin of 10% ~ 25% is generally reserved to cope with compressor overload and air commissioning tests.
For applications where the compressor discharge capacity is adjusted by changing the driver speed, the driver shall enable the compressor to reach its designed rotational speed.
The explosion-proof or fire protection grade of the driver shall be determined according to the ambient requirements at the compressor installation site.
