Energy-Efficient Vacuum Solutions: How Variable Speed Drive (VSD⁺) Pumps Save You Money
Energy costs are one of the largest operational expenses for industrial facilities, especially for systems that run continuously—like vacuum pumps. In the past, vacuum pumps operated at a constant speed regardless of process demand, wasting tremendous amounts of energy. But modern facilities can no longer afford inefficiency.
That’s why Variable Speed Drive (VSD⁺) vacuum technology, pioneered by companies like Atlas Copco, has become a game-changer across manufacturing, food processing, plastics, packaging, and energy production.
In this blog, we’ll explore how energy-efficient VSD⁺ vacuum pumps work, why they save facilities tens of thousands of dollars annually, and how partnering with Industrial Air Services ensures you get the right energy-saving solution.
📞 Ready to cut your energy bills? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 for sales and service across Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
The Problem with Traditional Fixed-Speed Vacuum Pumps
Traditional vacuum pumps are designed to run at full speed whenever they are operating—whether maximum vacuum is required or not. This leads to:
Constant energy consumption
Frequent cycling (on/off), causing wear
Unnecessary maintenance
High peak electrical loads
Overheating and shortened lifespan
Even processes with variable demand—such as fluctuating production lines or multiple shift schedules—still ran pumps at full tilt. This wastes enormous amounts of electricity and reduces equipment reliability.
How VSD⁺ Vacuum Technology Works
Variable Speed Drive (VSD⁺) technology allows the motor speed of the vacuum pump to automatically adjust based on real-time process demand.
If less vacuum is needed, the motor slows down, consuming only the energy required to maintain set pressure. When more vacuum is needed, the pump speeds up to match.
Atlas Copco’s vacuum products, including the GHS VSD⁺ oil-sealed rotary screw pumps and the DWS VSD⁺ dry screw pumps, integrate VSD⁺ as standard—offering unmatched flexibility and energy savings.
Key features include:
Fully automated motor speed adjustments
Precise setpoint control (target pressure maintenance)
Soft start and stop, reducing mechanical stress
Integrated smart monitoring with HEX@™ and GENIUS Instant Insights™
How Much Energy Can You Save?
The energy savings from switching to VSD⁺ vacuum pumps are dramatic.
Industry studies and real-world Atlas Copco case studies show:
Up to 50% reduction in energy costs versus traditional fixed-speed pumps
35% longer service intervals due to reduced mechanical wear
Up to 70% reduction in peak electrical demand charges
For a mid-sized manufacturing facility running multiple vacuum pumps, these savings could amount to $15,000 to $100,000 per year depending on usage.
Plus, reduced energy consumption supports corporate sustainability goals and carbon footprint reduction.
Real-World Example: Plastics Extrusion Plant in Tennessee
A plastics manufacturer operating three legacy oil-sealed vacuum pumps was facing high energy bills and costly maintenance cycles.
They upgraded to three Atlas Copco GHS 585 VSD⁺ rotary screw vacuum pumps.
Results after 12 months:
47% reduction in vacuum system energy usage
Payback period of just under 18 months
32% reduction in unplanned maintenance events
Carbon footprint cut by 60 metric tons per year
📞 Interested in an energy savings audit? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 to schedule one.
VSD⁺ Pumps Improve More Than Just Energy Efficiency
1. Improved Product Quality
Constant vacuum levels mean better consistency in processes like packaging, degassing, freeze-drying, and semiconductor manufacturing.
VSD⁺ pumps deliver steady pressure without fluctuations that can damage products or processes.
2. Reduced Mechanical Stress
Soft starts and optimized speeds mean bearings, seals, and rotors last longer. There’s less vibration, less heat, and far fewer emergency shutdowns.
3. Flexible Operation
If your production volume changes seasonally, daily, or shift-to-shift, VSD⁺ pumps automatically adjust—no manual intervention needed.
This flexibility is essential for industries like food packaging, bottling, plastics, textiles, and electronics.
4. Quieter Work Environments
Atlas Copco’s VSD⁺ vacuum pumps operate with significantly lower noise levels, improving conditions for plant workers and reducing the need for costly acoustic enclosures.
Which Atlas Copco VSD⁺ Vacuum Pumps Are Available?
Atlas Copco offers a full range of VSD⁺ equipped vacuum pumps to fit every industry:
GHS VSD⁺ Series: Oil-sealed rotary screw pumps for packaging, plastics, woodworking, and general industry
DWS VSD⁺ Series: Dry screw pumps for food, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor applications
LRP VSD⁺ Series: Liquid ring pumps for wet and vapor-heavy processes like power generation and chemical manufacturing
DHS 065-200 VSD⁺: Dry screw pumps for clean manufacturing, R&D, and battery production
Each pump is engineered with Atlas Copco’s signature smart control systems (HEX@™) and remote monitoring (GENIUS Instant Insights™) to further optimize performance.
VSD⁺ and Sustainability: A Win-Win
VSD⁺ technology directly supports environmental goals by:
Reducing energy waste
Lowering carbon emissions
Extending equipment lifespan
Reducing the environmental impact of oil and filter disposal
Facilities investing in Atlas Copco VSD⁺ vacuum systems often qualify for energy efficiency incentives, rebates, and carbon reduction credits—providing an additional financial benefit.
How Industrial Air Services Supports Your VSD⁺ Upgrade
Choosing the right vacuum pump isn't just about the brand—it’s about having the right partner.
Industrial Air Services offers:
On-site vacuum audits to assess potential savings
System sizing and application engineering
Turnkey installation and commissioning
Preventive maintenance programs to protect your investment
24/7 emergency support and fast access to OEM parts
Whether you’re replacing a single unit or upgrading an entire facility, our team ensures your VSD⁺ investment delivers maximum returns.
📞 Ready to start saving energy and money? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 today.
Conclusion
Atlas Copco’s VSD⁺ vacuum technology represents a major leap forward in energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. By matching vacuum output to real-time demand, these smart systems deliver massive energy savings, reduced maintenance, and better process control.
Industrial Air Services proudly supplies and supports Atlas Copco’s full range of VSD⁺ vacuum pumps across Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. If you're ready to lower your energy bills and future-proof your vacuum systems, our experts are ready to help.
📞 Call Industrial Air Services today at (615) 641-3100 to learn more or schedule your energy savings audit.
