Atlas Copco unveils world’s first battery-driven portable screw compressor

By OEM Update Editorial December 21, 2023 11:44 am

Atlas Copco unveils the groundbreaking B-Air 185-12, the first battery-driven portable screw air compressor, signaling a pivotal step towards a low-carbon industrial future and sustainable solutions in the global marketplace.

Atlas Copco unveiled its all-new battery driven portable screw air compressor ‘B-Air’ marking a defining moment in the global industrial marketplace’s transformation towards a low carbon future.

In the latest sign of its progressive shift to more sustainable products, Atlas Copco has expanded its portable electric product portfolio to include an all-new battery driven portable screw air compressor. The B-Air 185-12 is the first of its kind within the global industrial marketplace and represents a major milestone in Atlas Copco’s roadmap towards a sustainable future.

By introducing the first battery portable screw compressor, we want to play our part in enabling a sustainable transformation and help build a better tomorrow – for society and the planet alike.

Clean power  
The B-Air 185-12 features 5-12 bar of pressure, a stable flow rate of 5.4-3.7 m³/min and 55-kWh battery storage capacity. With power delivered from its onboard power pack, in operation a fully charged unit is independent of the need for fuel or a local power source to plug into and has the capability to perform for up to a full typical work shift. In turn, it provides both portability and productivity for those working on sites where regular access to electricity is not practical. 

Making the switch from an internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric motor brings with it a host of benefits, including less downtime and maintenance requirements. Due to having far fewer moving (and therefore wearing) parts compared to a diesel-powered unit, the electric B-Air 185-12 only needs to be serviced every 2,000 hours, as opposed to 500 hours for a typical ICE powered unit. The machine’s state-of-the-art Variable Speed Drive (VSD) and permanent magnet motor drives down the total cost of ownership, automatically adjusting the motor speed to match air demand in real-time and increasing energy efficiency by up to 70%.

Through Atlas Copco’s rigorous testing process, which includes rapid aging testing under harsh conditions and climactic chamber testing, the B-Air 185-12 has been proven to perform optimally even in the most extreme of climatic conditions – ranging from +45°C (+113°F) to a glacial -25°C (-13°F); and 4,500 metres (14,764 ft) above sea level. The unit is also designed to excel in densely populated urban areas where emission and noise pollution are tightly restricted, thanks to it producing no local emissions and having low noise levels. The quiet nature of the compressor enables operators to work without noise distraction, enhancing both productivity and safety. 

Prasanna Kulkarni, General Manager – Power Technique India, said “We are proud to introduce the B-Air 185-12, the first battery-driven screw compressor in the industry. This innovative product shows our dedication to creating sustainable solutions for our customers and the environment. Our vision is to offer a green option for every user and application, and this battery powered unit brings us closer to that vision.”