Overview
Versa Drives’ low-voltage DC compressor controller platform is designed for 3-phase PMSM compressors used in off-grid, mobile, and renewable-energy systems. The platform currently includes validated 12 V and 24 V DC compressor controllers in the 500 W class, and is extensible to 48 V DC for higher-voltage compressor systems.
These controllers are optimised for battery-operated and solar-powered compressor applications, providing sensorless PMSM control, high efficiency, and robust protection features for demanding field conditions.
Key Features
- Low-voltage DC PMSM compressor controllers for 12 V, 24 V and 48 V systems
- Supports 3-phase PMSM compressor motors in the ~500 W power class
- Sensorless PMSM control – no encoder or Hall sensors required
- High drive efficiency (>90%) for battery and solar-powered applications
- Wide operating voltage ranges for 12 V and 24 V battery systems; 48 V variant derived from the same platform
- Simple digital enable control for straightforward integration into compressor systems
- Comprehensive protections: under-voltage, over-voltage, short-circuit, over-temperature, over-current
- Designed with IEC 61800-3 and IEC 61800-5 in mind for industrial environments
- IP44-rated electronics; -10 °C to 50 °C operating temperature and up to 95% non-condensing humidity
- Firmware-configurable soft start, ramp profiles, and protection thresholds for different compressor duties
Applications
- Battery-operated air compressors for remote industrial and service applications
- Solar-powered air compressor systems in off-grid or hybrid solar installations
- Auxiliary compressors in electric vehicles where 12 V, 24 V or 48 V DC is available
- Portable compressor units for tools, tyre inflation, and field maintenance
- Other low-voltage PMSM compressor applications that demand compact, efficient, and robust controllers
Technical Specifications – 12 V Variant
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Controller rated voltage | 12 V DC |
| Controller operating range | 10–16 V DC |
| Motor type | 3-phase PMSM |
| Shaft power | 500 W |
| Input current | 58 A (application-dependent) |
| Line current | 70 Arms (application-dependent) |
| Position feedback | Sensorless PMSM |
| Drive efficiency | >90% |
| Overload capacity | 110% |
| Digital inputs | 1× digital enable input |
| Protection | Under-voltage, Over-voltage, Short-circuit, Over-temperature, Over-current |
| Certification target | IEC 61800-3, IEC 61800-5 |
| IP rating | IP44 |
| Humidity | Up to 95% RH (non-condensing max.) |
| Operating temperature | -10 °C to 50 °C |
Technical Specifications – 24 V Variant
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Controller rated voltage | 24 V DC |
| Controller operating range | 20–30 V DC |
| Motor type | 3-phase PMSM |
| Shaft power | 500 W |
| Input current | 28 A (application-dependent) |
| Line current | 34 Arms (application-dependent) |
| Position feedback | Sensorless PMSM |
| Drive efficiency | >90% |
| Overload capacity | 110% |
| Digital inputs | 1× digital enable input |
| Protection | Under-voltage, Over-voltage, Short-circuit, Over-temperature, Over-current |
| Certification target | IEC 61800-3, IEC 61800-5 |
| IP rating | IP44 |
| Humidity | Up to 95% RH (non-condensing max.) |
| Operating temperature | -10 °C to 50 °C |
48 V Variant
The 48 V DC compressor controller variant is derived from the same PMSM controller platform and is intended for similar ~500 W compressor motors in 48 V battery or DC bus systems. Electrical ratings (voltage window, continuous and peak current, and exact power limit) are defined based on the target compressor and application requirements. Like the 12 V and 24 V variants, it uses sensorless PMSM control with >90% drive efficiency and includes under/over-voltage, over-current, short-circuit and over-temperature protections, with IP44 construction and an operating range of -10 °C to 50 °C in non-condensing environments.
CTAs
Please share your compressor application details – system voltage (12 V / 24 V / 48 V), compressor motor power rating, duty cycle, expected ambient conditions, mounting constraints, and any standards or certifications to be met. We will recommend a suitable controller variant, share detailed specifications, and outline options for customising firmware and protection settings.
