An air engine generates mechanical motion by utilizing compressed air energy, which is sometimes referred to as a compressed air engine or pneumatic motor. Here’s a quick rundown of how it functions:
- Compression: An air compressor pressurizes surrounding air to create compressed air.
- Expansion: After being fed into the air engine, the compressed air expands and exerts force on the engine’s parts.
- Mechanical Motion: Depending on the design, the engine’s pistons, vanes, or other mechanisms move in response to the expanding air, producing either linear or rotating motion.
- Output: Depending on the application, the air engine’s mechanical motion can be utilized to power a variety of machines or automobiles.
Which is the Better Choice for Your Application?
Choosing the right motor for an industrial application is critical to success. However, picking between electric and air motors may be difficult owing to a number of elements that must be addressed. Atlas Copco provides a thorough guide to help you pick the appropriate motor for your needs to make this decision-making process easier. Here are five critical elements to consider:
Torque requirements
Torque is an important parameter in the field of industrial applications. Air motors are dynamic and adaptable solutions that allow operators to tailor the torque output to specific needs. Electric motors, on the other hand, have set torque outputs that cannot be modified by operators, which might lead the motor to fail if it is overloaded.
Weight of motor
The weight of a motor plays a significant role in the overall weight of an application. Electric motors typically weigh more than pneumatic motors. Atlas Copco air motors have a high power-to-weight ratio, which allows you to get high power output without significantly increasing the weight of an application.
Speed control needs
Air motors can provide variable and precise speeds when the air control valve is adjusted. In contrast, variable speed control options for electric motors are available but can significantly increase the motor’s overall cost.
Energy efficiency and costs
Air motors are less efficient than their electric counterparts due to air pressure loss in fittings, elbows, and tubes. This can mean that less than 20% of an air motor’s total energy input becomes usable energy. The operating costs of electric motors are generally cheaper than those of air motors for the same amount of work hours and power cost.
Operating environment
The environment in which you want to operate your vehicle is an important consideration. Because they do not produce electrical sparks, air motors are ideal candidates for operating in hazardous areas. Atlas Copco air motors come in explosion-proof and ATEX certified variants, making them ideal for locations where sparks or high temperatures might ignite explosive gases, vapor, or dust.
Four Motor Types:
1. Internal combustion engines: these engines, which are frequently seen in cars, motorbikes, and light aircraft, burn fuel internally to provide mechanical power.
2. Electric Motors: Often used in industrial equipment, electric cars, and appliances, these motors transform electrical energy into mechanical motion.
3. Hydraulic Motors: Frequently used in heavy machinery, construction equipment, and marine propulsion systems, hydraulic motors provide mechanical power by means of pressurized hydraulic fluid.
4. Pneumatic Motors: Also referred to as air motors, pneumatic motors use compressed air energy to produce mechanical motion. They are frequently employed in situations where using electricity or other power sources is hazardous or unfeasible.
Finally, the decisive factor between electric and air motors is unique to each industrial application. In hazardous working settings, where applications must be lightweight, and when dynamic torque production and variable speed control are required, air motors are useful. Electrical motors, on the other hand, are helpful for optimizing energy efficiency and lowering operating expenses. A careful examination of the benefits of each type of motor as well as the requirements of your unique industrial application will assist you in determining which motor is best for you.
For further insights and detailed technical information, consult the Pocket Guide to Air Motors by Atlas Copco or Contact us directly.
