Atlas Copco look to the future

Power Technique business area unveils its vision for ‘Powering the Future’ of global industry

THE leadership team of the Atlas Copco Power Technique business area recently presented a strategic vision outlining how mega-trends such as digitalization and the construction of smart cities will be powered by cleaner and more connected energy source technologies.

Under the theme ‘Powering the Future’, Atlas Copco revealed how their latest advances in air, power and flow technologies have been designed to reduce both carbon and noise emissions, providing end-users with more efficient operation and lower cost of ownership. These advances will allow operators to make the most of the opportunities presented by mega-trends, while overcoming forthcoming legislation such as new emission regulation changes.

Andrew Walker, president of the Atlas Copco Power Technique business area, commented: ‘We are now focused purely on three pillars – air, power and flow, and will continue to accelerate our research and new product development efforts in these areas to pioneer the technology of the future.’

A number of new, and recently introduced, machine-, rental- and service-focused innovations – all of which are designed to reduce both carbon and noise emissions, and increase energy efficiency – were unveiled last month at a special event at Alexandra Palace, in London, including a product display and strategy overview from the newly formed [1 January 2018] Power and Flow division.

The Power and Flow division revealed how low-load operation problems are now a thing of the past thanks to the introduction of the new QAS 35 VSG variable-speed generator, which is said to be a game-changer in terms of operational savings, performance and reliability. The superior low-load performance of the QAS 35 VSG, which features automatic variable-speed control from 800 to 2,550 rev/min and a built-in power-management system (PMS), allows fuel consumption levels to be reduced by up to 40% against comparable models.

Solutions for modular power plant (MPP) applications were also presented, including the brand new QAC 1450 TwinPower generator – a 20ft ISO containerized unit housing two compact 725kVA generators, powered by fuel-efficient Scania V8 engines with double-bearing alternators. This configuration, with its fast-paralleling system, allows the two generators to work independently or in parallel with each other.

The Portable Air division announced the forthcoming introduction of its innovative E-Air 250 plug-and-play portable, electric-powered compressor with variable-speed drive (VSD). Focused on efficiency, the electric technology of the E-Air 250 compressor (pictured) is said to offer up to 40% greater flow for the same power consumption compared with conventional portable compressors. This is the latest addition to the Atlas Copco E-Air range, but the first to appear under the 8-series banner.

Other new innovations unveiled at the event included the latest additions to the rugged and lightweight 8-series compressor range, including the XAS 88G, which combines a reliable source of compressed air with a 9kVA built-in generator. This latest model, as with all machines in the 8-series compressor/generator combination range, is designed to optimize fuel consumption in line with load demand.

In the last few years, plant and equipment manufacturers in the construction, mining and rental segments have experienced growing demand from end-users for intelligent digital solutions capable of providing accurate and timely information. As a result, Atlas Copco have developed two smart connectivity solutions, FleetLink and Power Connect, that give customers the information they need to increase productivity and make it easier to do business.

FleetLink is an intelligent telematics system designed to optimize fleet usage, reduce maintenance costs and, ultimately, save time and money. It allows customers to remotely manag¬e their machines anytime and anywhere, with the latest fleet information always at hand.

The system offers an effective way for users to remotely communicate with their machines, with state-of-the-art digital monitoring tools, such as geo-fencing, remote function lock-out and automatic reporting, keeping them connected to their job site, equipment and team members round the clock.

Power Connect is an online portal that allows customers to find specific information about Atlas Copco machinery. In February this year, the Power Connect app was introduced to make it even easier to access and share information.

By scanning the QR code on an Atlas Copco machine, the app takes prospective buyers and customers directly to the relevant section on the Power Connect portal, where visitors can quickly access an array of different information on the piece of equipment they are interested in, including instruction-focused videos, interactive manuals, and details about how and where to buy spare parts.