Atlas Copco Neos compressor specific frequency converter

Product development background

Ordinary brand frequency converters are mainly targeted at the fan and water pump markets, and are general-purpose products, not developed specifically for the compressor industry. The fan and water pump belong to the quadratic torque load, and the operating conditions are relatively relaxed.

Atlas Copco has nearly 20 years of experience in the application and verification of frequency converters in the field of compressors; On site feedback: Ordinary frequency converters are easily affected by factors such as dust, humidity, and overcurrent under air compressor conditions, resulting in a high failure rate.

Neos is a special drive frequency converter for Atlas air compressor, integrating years of field experience.

Key differences in load characteristics

The torque of the fan/water pump (typical operating condition of the universal frequency converter – quadratic torque) varies with the second power of the speed; The relationship between power and speed is cubic; Belonging to light load/normal load conditions, the average operating current is relatively low.

Compressor (operating conditions faced by Neos – constant torque load, heavy-duty conditions)

Belonging to a constant torque load, the input power, input current, and speed are proportional; Belongs to heavy-duty applications.

During the operation of the compressor, the output current of the frequency converter is consistently greater than 70% of the rated current; Under a working pressure of 13 bar, the operating current is continuously maintained within the range of 80-90% of the rated value.

The compressor has strict requirements for the frequency converter, and the equipment operates almost continuously at high current and near full load.

Compliance and Interface

Complete compliance: The air compressor equipped with Neos meets the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility 2004/108/EC, and Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC; it also meets IEC and UL/cUL certifications.

Motor control: Suitable for asynchronous motors.

Communication: Communicate with Elektronikon air compressor controller through CAN bus.

Origin: Made in the European Union.

Sustainability and Ethical Manufacturing

The “less is more” principle in Neos design not only improves performance, but also reduces the environmental burden at the end of the lifecycle. Atlas Copco takes long-term sustainability as one of the core focuses in all development. In addition, the company promises not to purchase minerals from conflict areas and has been rated as one of the world’s most ethical businesses by the Ethisphere Institute as a result. These concepts are fully reflected in the design and manufacturing of Neos.

Comparison of key differences with traditional general-purpose frequency converters

Comparison item: Neos universal frequency converter

Target application: Fan/pump/compressor (versatile), limited to constant torque air compressors only

The protection level is usually IP20~IP54 (additional cabinet required). IP5X integrated aluminum shell does not require an external cabinet

Environmental temperature capacity: rated at 40 ℃, rated at 50 ℃, rated at 50 ℃, rated at full power, rated at 60 ℃

Software complexity with hundreds of simplified parameters, fast configuration

Multiple communication methods, fieldbus options CAN to Elektronikon, standard configuration

Redundant components with a large number of unused I/O and no redundant options, compact design

The lifecycle of spare parts is affected by the discontinuation of general products and is controlled by Atlas Copco throughout the entire lifecycle

Application and selection suggestions

6.1 Applicable Scenarios

GA series oil injection screw compressor VSD modification;

Z series oil-free compressor VSD matching;

Pressure/flow regulation scenarios that require frequent start stop and variable load operation;

Industrial sites with high environmental temperature, large dust, and high humidity (such as metallurgy, mining, textile, and chemical plants).

6.2 Selection precautions

Confirm that the power supply voltage is within the range of 380-460V ± 10%, otherwise a transformer needs to be installed;

Confirm that the motor type is asynchronous motor;

The back pressure starting capacity can reach 13 bar, meeting the direct load starting requirements of most compressors;

If you need higher protection or special installation requirements, you can consult your local sales representative.

6.3 Maintenance points

Regularly check the cleanliness of the radiator to ensure continuous operation at 50 ℃;

Monitor the output current through Elektronikon to ensure that it remains within the rated range of 80% to 90% for a long time, which is a normal operating condition;

Use Speci5 tool for parameter backup and recovery to avoid manual recording errors;

When a malfunction occurs, prioritize checking CAN communication and power supply voltage stability.