The energy efficiency of vane technology

On average, compressed air is responsible for 10% of industry's electricity consumption, with peaks of up to 20%. More energy-efficient air compression technologies, together with the correct sizing of the system, can therefore considerably limit the energy consumption of companies and contribute to the containment of CO2 emissions related to the use of fossil fuels. Moreover, the energy efficiency of the compressor is key to reducing its Life Cycle Cost, a parameter that assesses the entire cost of ownership of capital goods. It should not be forgotten that electricity accounts for about 80% of the total cost of a compressor's life cycle.

Mattei air compressors, incorporating exclusive rotary vane technology, enable efficient production of compressed air, reduction of energy costs, CO2 emissions, and machine operating costs.

The importance of design

Rotary vane compressors are based on a design that provides important benefits:

• The process of air compression is volumetrically very efficient thanks to the elimination of air leaks during the compression phase. Unlike rotary screw compressors, where the small clearances between the moving mechanical parts allow for air leaks, the absence of leaks in vane compressors is due to the particular rotary vane design consisting only of a rotor, stator, and vanes.
• The blades compress the air, never coming into direct contact with the internal surface of the stator, driven by centrifugal force during rotation, obtaining a perfect seal thanks to the presence of a film of oil.
• Moreover, the structure of the machine allows minimal mechanical losses, thus achieving 90% of mechanical efficiency with much lower consumption of energy.

The high volumetric efficiency, mechanical efficiency, and the low speed of rotation determine energy savings of more than 15% compared to other rotary compressors.