Atlas Copco brings science to life with compressed air

Furthermore, the Wellcome Wing, which contains contemporary science and technology of the future, uses compressed air in the ‘kinetic art’ display. These dangling exhibits move up and down and blow jets of air onto the heads of people passing underneath. Air also powers the Pattern Pod, a hands-on gallery created for 5-8 year olds, forming shapes that represent patterns occurring in nature.

Compressed air provides the motive power also for the interactive Energy Gallery’s thought-provoking games and exhibits, including the braking system for giant spinning drums. It is also essential for the state-of-the-art SimEx simulator ride, driving immersive air, water and seat vibration effects, and the feel of a dinosaur’s breath on visitors’ necks.

The Atlas Copco compressor is visible to the Museum’s visitors through a specially constructed door. They can see both the compressed air installation and associated heat recovery system that provides ‘green’ hot water (at 60ºC) for the Wellcome Wing basement toilets and the Deep Blue restaurant - heat is naturally generated as air is compressed by the screw element of the unit. The heat exchanger, located on the compressor, then takes the heat out of the compressed air system but, instead of sending it to atmosphere, re-uses it as hot water for the selected locations, thus saving energy for the Museum.

The GA50 W VSD (water-cooled variable speed drive compressor) was installed by Atlas Copco’s distributor, Air Solutions Ltd, who also carried out the pipework fitting. The VSD, together with Atlas Copco GA 22 standard screw compressors, supplies all the compressed air for the museum. It is distributed to the points of use in a network of steel pipes more than one kilometre long. The system also includes an Atlas Copco FD170 refrigerant dryer and an air receiver. A dry air supply is important in order to protect the valves in the interactive exhibits from moisture. Because it blows air onto people’s heads, the kinetic art display is particularly sensitive to contamination, so an oil filter has been installed at point of use.

A VSD is an environment-friendly solution as it uses up to 35% less energy than an standard air compressor by running at different speeds to match demand. The VSD compressor operates seven days a week throughout the year, catering for frequent evening events as well as daytime demand. Between 10 and 2 bar air pressure is needed, depending on the application.

Commenting on the importance of the compressor installation to the efficient operation of the exhibits, Gary Edgerton, Mechanical Services Manager, said, “I am very satisfied with the way the Atlas Copco VSD is running. Its energy-saving capacity and heat recovery features fit well with our environmental activities.”