The Head to Head

Analyzer
Atlas Copco GA 37 VSD vs. IR N 37
Analysis for capacity and specific power

Atlas GA37 VSD @ 7.0 barg IR Nirvana 37 @ 7.0 barg

Total elect. Specific Total elect. Specific
Capacity Capacity
Speed % Speed rpm 3 power used power Speed % Speed rpm 3 power used power
m /min m /min
kW kW/m 3/min kW kW/m 3/min
25% 900 1.54 14.4 9.35
30% 1100 1.92 16.8 8.75 29% 1325 1.89 14.48 7.65
41% 1500 2.68 21.4 7.99 41% 1878 2.68 20.52 7.64
na na na na na 45% 2047 2.93 22.36 7.64
55% 2000 3.64 27.3 7.50 56% 2544 3.64 27.78 7.64
na na na na na 61% 2769 3.96 30.24 7.64
68% 2500 4.59 33.5 7.30 70% 3208 4.59 35.02 7.64
74% 2700 4.97 36 7.24 76% 3492 4.99 38.11 7.64
na na na na na 84% 3853 5.51 42.04 7.63
88% 3220 5.96 42.4 7.11 91% 4169 5.96 45.48 7.63
100% 3650 6.78 48 7.08 100% 4575 6.54 49.90 7.63
na : value not available In each row the same capacity
9.5000
Explanation of Formula and
Assumptions used:

• For the N37 the values measured (at 9.0000

standard conditions) are: speed,
capacity, max. power and efficiencies.
Specific power kW/(m 3/min)

For the GA37 machine these values are

8.5000
stated as published by Atlas Copco, FF
Version, 20°C, 0% RH
• IR measured values are in accordance
with acceptance test standard ISO 1217: 8.0000
1996 Annex C and CAGI/PNEUROP
PN2CPTC2.
• Formula “Total Elect. Power” used for
7.5000
the N37 is: Measured Shaft Power/Motor
Eff. (0.925-0.927)/Inverter Eff. (0.96) +
Fan Elect. Power/Fan Eff.
(0.875)/Inverter Eff. (0.96) 7.0000
• The “Top-up Curve” - shows the
equivalent projected specific power
values at loads smaller than 29%. The
6.5000
top-up is done at a higher speed range,
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
hence consuming in average a low
specific power when running and Capacity delivery m /m in 3
GA3 7VSD
switching off frequently.ccc N3 7
To p -up Curve

Comparison Conclusions:
• The two machines have a comparable specific power on average : the GA37 gives an average of 7.8
kW/m³/min whereas the N37 shows 7.64 kW/m³/min
• But they are two different machines :
• the GA37 is good only at higher range
• the Nirvana 37 is always constant
• The recently added separate inverter for the fan on the N37 enables the compressor
• to operate at low and constant specific power at any load
• to operate quieter than any other compressor by slowing down or turning off the fan.
• Considered fan energy consumption is at its “worst case”: the fan at normal conditions runs less
often, consuming less energy.
• Being good at any load, hence covering the entire customer requirement without random energy
consumption and without cycling, shows that the Nirvana is a true VSD compressor.

Ingersoll-Rand European Sales Ltd Strictly Confidential - Do not copy For internal use only