ELGi enhances the energy efficiency of its AB series oil-free compressor range

01 Apr 2023

Sydney, Australia, April 2023 : ELGi Equipments, one of the world’s leading air compressor manufacturers, has enhanced the energy efficiency of its AB series oil-free screw air compressors realising improvements in specific power consumption and increases in free air delivery across the range. And for additional energy savings, the three larger models in the range now include a super- premium efficiency IE4 motor as standard.

Contaminant free and high-quality compressed air that meets the stringent requirements of ISO 8573-1 “Class 0” standards is critical for many sensitive applications that operate across a broad range of industries such as in the food and beverages sector, the pharmaceuticals and medical sector, and the electronics sector.

Available from 11 to 110 kW, the water injected AB ‘Always Better’ series of oil-free screw air compressors from ELGi meet these stringent requirements, delivering certified “Class 0” high quality air in compliance with ISO 8573-1 and ISO 8573-7.

ELGi has recently enhanced the performance of the AB series models, delivering improvements in terms of both specific power consumption and free air delivery. This includes an average 10 percent improvement on the turn down ratio across the variable frequency drive (VFD) range. For the customer the result of these improvements is twofold: enhanced energy efficiency and reduced power consumption.

In addition, the 75 to 110 kW models are the first in the series to now come as standard with super-premium efficiency IE4 motors, which exceed the current Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) of Australia and New Zealand for 3 phase electric motors. These motors deliver further energy efficiency and reliability gains as well as a higher service factor and lower waste heat output.

The AB series has been engineered to deliver maximum uptime and reliability, while bridging the gap between energy efficiency and low cost of ownership. In addition to the advantages that the recent enhancements provide, customers can expect reduced life cycle cost and less maintenance requirements with the AB series when compared to prevailing technologies.

Low lifecycle cost

ELGi’s uniquely designed airends are equipped with in-house developed η-V profile rotors which reduce pressure losses and precise rotor clearances resulting in best-in-class energy efficiency compressors with higher flow and lower specific power consumption. Compared to other water-injected units, the AB series airends run at slow speeds. The result, long bearing life, high reliability, low noise levels and reduced wear & tear.

The AB series has a closed loop circuit which does not need RO water or any other form of water purifying system. They also come with an auto water replenishment mechanism, as well as built-in sensation cycle. This reduces power consumption, eliminates any requirement to replace an RO element which therefore reduces maintenance costs.

The use of roller bearings as opposed to the conventional use of hydrodynamic bearings additionally contributes to an overall low cost of ownership. This eliminates the requirement for an additional water pumping circuit. It ensures consistent airend performance, and it also results in up to a 14% lower unload power and energy cost savings, as well as lower rotor and bearing wear.

Low maintenance cost

Whereas traditional oil-free compressors have 2 stage airends with 2 pole motors, the AB has a single stage airend and 4 pole motor, significantly reducing associated maintenance requirements and costs. Maintenance costs are also kept low thanks to no requirement for intercooling, a splash lubrication system, as well as less number of consumable and wearing parts.

Low carbon footprint

Superior energy efficiency and zero mineral oil residue ensure a minimal environmental impact, thereby lowering the customers carbon footprint.

Reliable, energy efficient with best-in-class life cycle cost, the AB series produce high- quality air, free of microbiological contaminants, with free air delivery (FAD) from 0.82 to 15.85 m³ /min.