Energy-Saving Air Compressors: How Tanair VSDs Can Reduce Wasted Energy
Variable Speed Drive air compressors can reduce wasted electricity where compressed-air demand changes throughout the day. Tanair's current TAN-S VSD range is designed around direct-drive permanent-magnet technology, stable pressure and demand-matched output.
What Makes a VSD Air Compressor Energy Efficient?
A conventional fixed-speed compressor generally operates around a fixed motor speed, regardless of whether the site needs maximum airflow at that moment. In a workshop or factory where demand rises and falls through the day, that can lead to unnecessary unloaded running and wasted electricity.
A Variable Speed Drive (VSD) compressor changes motor speed in response to actual air demand. When demand falls, motor speed can reduce. When demand increases, the compressor raises output. In the right application, this allows the compressor to spend less time producing more air than the site requires.
The Current Tanair TAN-S VSD Range
Rather than highlighting the older energy-saving ranges previously used on this article, this updated version focuses on the current Tanair TAN-S variable-speed screw compressor range.
Tanair TAN-S 5.5VSD
Compact energy-efficient screw compressor for workshops and lighter industrial applications with changing air demand.
Tanair TAN-S 7.5VSD
Direct-drive PM VSD compressor suited to workshops and manufacturing environments with fluctuating demand.
Tanair TAN-S 11VSD
Higher-output VSD screw compressor for engineering, CNC, fabrication and multi-user compressed-air systems.
Tanair TAN-S 22VSD
High-capacity PM VSD compressor for larger workshops, production lines and industrial compressed-air demand.
Tanair VSD Range Comparison
| Model | Power | Airflow | Pressure | Typical Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAN-S 5.5VSD | 5.5 kW | 19 CFM | 10 Bar | Smaller workshops and light industrial use |
| TAN-S 7.5VSD | 7.5 kW | 32 CFM | 10 Bar | General workshops and manufacturing |
| TAN-S 11VSD | 11 kW | 46 CFM | 10 Bar | Engineering, CNC and multi-user systems |
| TAN-S 22VSD | 22 kW | 112 CFM | 10 Bar | Larger production and industrial demand |
Where the Energy Savings Come From
How Much Energy Can a VSD Compressor Save?
Tanair's current TAN-S product pages describe potential savings of up to around 35% compared with fixed-speed compressors in suitable applications, with typical examples in the 20–35% range where demand varies significantly.
Those figures should be treated as potential rather than guaranteed savings. A site with a very steady base load may see a different result from a workshop where demand changes sharply throughout the day.
Going Green Is About More Than Changing the Compressor
Replacing an inefficient fixed-speed compressor with a correctly sized VSD can be a major improvement, but the compressor is only one part of the compressed-air system.
- Repair compressed-air leaks.
- Reduce unnecessary system pressure where the process allows.
- Correct undersized or badly routed pipework.
- Maintain filters, dryers and separators.
- Keep coolers and ventilation areas clean.
- Identify inappropriate uses of compressed air.
- Size receivers and air treatment correctly.
- Review actual demand before increasing compressor capacity.
The most effective energy-saving projects usually combine compressor technology with improvements to the wider air system.
Compressed Air Energy-Saving Audits
Where the potential saving needs to be quantified properly, an energy audit can replace assumptions with measured operating data. Tanair energy-saving audits are designed to identify compressed-air waste, pressure issues, leakage and system inefficiencies before recommending changes.
What an Audit Can Look At
Compressor loading, operating hours, pressure, demand variation, leakage and the way the wider system is being used.
Why It Matters
A measured approach helps distinguish between savings available from a VSD upgrade and savings available from fixing the rest of the system.
Is a Tanair VSD Right for Your Site?
VSD Is Often a Strong Fit When:
- Air demand rises and falls through the day.
- Multiple users or machines operate intermittently.
- The existing compressor spends significant time unloaded.
- Electricity cost is a major part of compressor ownership.
- Stable system pressure is important to production.
A Fixed-Speed Compressor May Still Suit When:
- The compressor operates close to full load for long periods.
- Demand is extremely stable.
- Operating hours are low.
- The application is intermittent rather than continuous duty.
- Measured savings do not justify the investment.
Energy-Saving Air Compressor FAQs
What is the current Tanair VSD compressor range?
The current TAN-S range includes 5.5 kW, 7.5 kW, 11 kW and 22 kW PM VSD screw compressors, covering approximately 19 to 112 CFM at 10 Bar.
How does a VSD compressor save energy?
A VSD changes motor speed to follow real compressed-air demand. This can reduce unnecessary full-speed and unloaded running where demand varies.
Will a VSD always save 35%?
No. Up to around 35% is a potential saving in suitable applications. Actual results depend on operating hours, load profile, pressure, leaks, system condition and the compressor being correctly sized.
Are Tanair TAN-S compressors direct drive?
Yes. The current TAN-S VSD range uses direct-drive PM variable-speed technology.
Is going green just about buying a new compressor?
No. Leak repair, pressure optimisation, correct pipework, maintenance and proper compressor sizing can all reduce energy use alongside a VSD upgrade.
Can Tanair measure whether an upgrade is worthwhile?
Yes. Compressed-air energy-saving audits can help identify system waste and quantify the most relevant opportunities before investment decisions are made.
Thinking About Switching to a Tanair VSD?
Tell us your existing compressor size, operating hours, working pressure and approximate air demand and we can help compare the TAN-S range and assess whether a variable-speed upgrade makes commercial sense.
Call 0121 753 3330