Atlas Copco GA 160 VSD (FF VSD⁺) Oil-injected Air Compressor

The Atlas Copco GA 160 VSD is a variable speed drive oil-injected rotary screw compressor rated at 160 kW. Four factory versions cover working pressures from 5.5 bar to 10 bar. It brings integrated VSD technology to the entry of the GA 160+-315 (VSD) range and is built for plants whose air demand rises and falls with the production schedule. This page gathers the complete technical data of the machine together with the drive, air quality, and control details that matter when sizing a VSD compressor in this class.

The GA 160 VSD arrives as one factory-assembled package. Element, gear transmission, converter, coolers, motor, and controller share an oil-containing frame inside a sound-reduced canopy, so installation needs no separate foundation and ducting can be routed freely on site.

Especificaciones técnicas

At 50 Hz the GA 160 VSD draws 160 kW of installed motor power across all versions. Standard and Full Feature working pressures are listed side by side because the integrated dryer of the FF version takes a small pressure drop. Unit performance is measured according to ISO 1217, Annex C and E, Edition 4 (2009), at an absolute inlet pressure of 1 bar and an intake temperature of 20°C.

Rendimiento a 60 Hz

At 60 Hz the installed motor power is 200 hp. Weight depends on the version. At 50 Hz the GA 160 VSD weighs between 3197 and 3624 kg in standard form and between 3654 and 4081 kg as a Full Feature unit. At 60 Hz it weighs between 4285 and 4712 kg standard and between 4742 and 5169 kg as Full Feature.

Dimensiones

The VSD Drive Behind the GA 160 VSD

Air demand in most plants moves with shifts, weekdays, and seasons. Extensive measurements of compressed air profiles show that only a small share of installations run a truly flat demand curve. The GA 160 VSD answers those swings by automatically adjusting motor speed to the air the plant actually draws. Tests put the average energy saving at up to 35% compared with fixed-speed operation, and the total lifecycle spending of a compressor drops by about 22% on average.

Even installations with an even load profile benefit. Because the drive holds delivery pressure inside a narrow band, average system pressure sits lower than it would under load/unload control. Every bar of avoided overpressure trims the work the element of the GA 160 VSD has to do.

Converter and Motor Design

The frequency converter and motor are engineered as one system. Flexible pressure selection from 4 to 13 bar through electronic gearing lets one machine serve setups that would otherwise need different gear ratios. The specific converter and motor design, with protected bearings, holds efficiency across the whole speed range. The electric motor is designed for low operating speeds with clear attention to motor cooling and compressor cooling.

Electrical compatibility is certified: all GA VSD compressors are EMC tested, so compressor operation does not disturb external equipment and vice versa. Mechanical enhancements keep every component below critical vibration levels throughout the speed range. The converter sits in a cool overpressure cubicle, so the GA 160 VSD runs stable in ambient temperatures up to 50°C (122°F). The standard rating covers 46°C (114.8°F).

Full Feature Package and Air Quality

The Full Feature version of the GA 160 VSD adds an integrated refrigerant dryer and a ready-to-use air treatment train. All wires and pipes are assembled in the factory, the package guarantees a pressure dewpoint of 3°C (37°F), and the dryer performs at ambient conditions up to 46°C (115°F). A patented Saver Cycle Control stops the dryer whenever the GA 160 VSD stops or unloads, then restarts it when the dewpoint begins to rise. That cuts the power the dryer draws over a shift.

Air purity can be staged to match the application. The base package reaches ISO quality class 3.-.4 with 3 micron dirt particles and 3 ppm oil. With the integrated dryer the FF version reaches class 3.4.4 at a +3°C dewpoint. Adding a general purpose coalescing filter lifts the rating to class 2.4.2 with 1 micron particles and 0.1 ppm oil.

Elektronikon Control on the GA 160 VSD

On the GA 160 VSD, the Elektronikon unit controller manages both the compressor and the integrated converter, keeping the machine inside its safety parameters at every speed. The high resolution color display reads plainly at a glance, icons keep navigation quick, and the interface supports 31 languages. Warning indications, maintenance scheduling, and online visualization of the machine status come as standard.

Two pressure bands can be set manually or automatically to trim energy use in low-demand hours. The Delayed Second Stop function keeps the drive motor of the GA 160 VSD off while network pressure still holds. Remote control and notifications run over Ethernet as standard. A mobile app extends monitoring to phones and tablets. SMARTLINK data monitoring collects the figures of a whole compressor room in one secured view.

Where the GA 160 VSD Fits

The GA 160 VSD suits factories whose air demand swings between shifts. It also fits workshops that feed periodic bursts of tools and plants that want a lower average power draw from their compressor room. The 10 bar version of the GA 160 VSD carries installations that run at higher settings, while the 5.5 bar version serves high-volume, low-pressure duties. Plants that prefer fixed-speed control can look at the Compresores de aire con inyección de aceite Atlas Copco GA90-160 (VSD⁺), which covers the neighboring power class.

GA 160 VSD FAQ

What makes the GA 160 VSD different from the fixed-speed GA 160?

The GA 160 VSD adjusts motor speed to the actual air demand, holding pressure in a narrow band and cutting average energy use by up to 35%. The fixed-speed model runs at full motor speed and controls output through loading and unloading.

What air quality does the Full Feature version deliver?

The FF package of the GA 160 VSD guarantees a pressure dewpoint of 3°C and reaches ISO class 3.4.4. With an added coalescing filter the rating rises to class 2.4.2 at 0.1 ppm oil.

How hot can the compressor room be?

The standard rating covers ambient temperatures up to 46°C, and the cooled overpressure converter cubicle allows stable operation up to 50°C.

Can one machine cover several pressure setups?

Yes. Electronic gearing allows flexible pressure selection from 4 to 13 bar, so the same GA 160 VSD can be tuned to the working pressure the plant actually needs.

Will the drive interfere with other electrical equipment?

No. Every GA VSD compressor is EMC tested and certified, so operation does not influence external sources and is not disturbed by them.

Can the GA 160 VSD be monitored remotely?

Yes. The Elektronikon controller supports Ethernet-based remote functions, a mobile app covers phones and tablets, and SMARTLINK adds central data monitoring for the whole room.