Active Magnetic Bearings, Variable-Speed Centrifugal Air Compressors Suitable to Reduce Carbon Footprint, is it Really the Case?

The purpose of this article is to compare and evaluate the performance of two types of compressor units—one utilizing high-speed direct drive centrifugal compressor technology with active magnetic bearings (AMBs) and permanent magnet motors, and the other utilizing oil-free screw compressor technology powered by induction motors. Both compressors are designed to operate with a variable speed drive (VFD) and are water cooled. The authors aim to conduct a comprehensive life cycle analysis, focusing on the energy consumption and carbon footprint of these two technologies over their lifespan. Through their expertise, the authors will suggest operating scenarios. The potential reduction in CO2e emissions can vary greatly depending on the country and scenario, ranging from several tens to over a thousand tons of CO2e over the lifespan of the compressor unit. In most studied cases, the direct drive centrifugal compressor proves to be the optimal choice in energy savings and in CO2e emission reduction.