Saving energy with Flex Drive capacity control

This is a next-generation capacity control for screw compressorsystems and allows compressors to save energy. Here is now: The New Flex drive capacity control and Flex drive Plus

Ask yourself: Are you saving energy on your refrigeration compressor unit? 

The compressor unit was always based on the maximum load in standard design.  Most compressor units have certain features, including a fixed drive speed, slide valves to regulate capacity and create an internal leak inside the compressor. Take a look on this drawing:  

The Flex drive lines show capacity control by drive speed variation. The red line indicates the characteristics of the modern Flex speed compressor units. The latest design improvement is the Flex drive plus.  

The slide valve can operate to the lowest effective point between input to cooling capacity when the unit operates at the lowest RPM cycle as illustrated by the red and blue lines.( Flex drive Plus)   Besides reducing energy consumption, another advantage of the Flex drive plus unit is its effective results when operating in a wider user field.   The Flex drive plus can handle a cooling power duty of 78.1 kW to a range of 1061.95 against an input power of 58.4 to 252.75. In comparison to the conventional fixed drive compressor units found in the market today the Flex drive plus exhibits a higher capacity with a cooling power range of 171 kW to 857 kW against an input power of 111 kW to 204 kW.  

In reality, less compressor units are needed to supply the same duty, drastically reducing operating costs and expenses.   By using the Flex drive application, the amount of refrigerant varies and requires a special design based on features that can handle the variations. Not only a HR E-motor and a frequency drive, but the units need to be equipped with systems to control the variations and avoid oil to carry over.   The flex drive units offer a reliable backup system and if less compressor units are needed, the system can be suited to fit a customer’s needs.   Some examples of current backup systems are the double- shaft seal application and the magnetic- drive oil pumps.   On the horizon, future designs of compressor units will improve on flexibility features.  The Flex drive compressor units offer a sure bet investment in your company’s continued success by meeting the conditions of a changing workplace or a sudden increased demand for more duty capacity. Rental building owners no longer need to switch to an entirely new and expensive refrigeration system.   These are important facts to know in a world bursting with new innovations. Today’s refrigeration systems and compressor units have a lifespan of 35 years-a long time to wait to lose or make money on your investment. Smart business owners should consider purchasing a refrigeration system or extension to their existing system with the knowledge of the facts and not only based on the purchase price.

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