Atlas Copco introduced the B-Air 185-12 in 2024 as the world’s first battery driven portable air compressor. Eighteen months later it now has a demonstration unit in the UK.
The B-Air 185-12 features five to 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 needs no fuel or local power source to plug into. Atlas Copco says that it has the capability to perform for “up to a full typical work shift” with no tail-pipe emissions and much less noise.
The unit weighs in at 1,500 kg. It has an electronic pressure regulation system that adjusts the pressure according to need, whether driving hand tools at 6 bar/90 psi to sandblasting at 10.3 bar/150 psi or cable blowing at 12 bar/175 psi.
At its core, the B-Air features a permanent magnet motor with variable speed capabilities, ensuring up to 70% more energy efficiency compared to traditional diesel-driven units. This motor, combined with the NEOS Xtreme inverter, is specifically designed to perform in the toughest conditions and is fully sealed against water and dust to meet IP66 standards.
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