compressor&power supply shopping

[aurmer]

Not sure where this question belongs, but I am working on a portable pneumatics project. Trying to figure out the best design approach when speccing out the compressor.

This compressor fits our functional and sizing needs.
VIAIR 350C
- 12V dc
- 20A
- ~.5 CFM (@max pressure)
- 100% duty @ 100psi
- 9”L x 4”W x 6.75H”

But our problem is powering it properly. I lack a complete understanding of my power supply specs. So this is where my post splits in two directions:

Q1) Can I find a similar (price/size/power) compressor that accepts 120VAC? I have tried looking around... alibaba, google, etc. I don't exactly know of a place to search for "small 120VAC compressors"

Q2) If I cannot go the AC route, what do I need to look out for on my power supply to make sure I don't cause early failure?

EXAMPLE: We have tested with a PUB250-12 power supply (output 12V ~21A). This PS can turn on the compressor, but it dips down to .5V while supplying the inrush current. I am assuming this arrangement isn't sustainable for longterm use (see attached image: Vout from power supply as compressor starts up).

What risk am I running with this power supply? What would I need to change or design to mitigate that risk? Should I implement IRC limiting, or do you think it would be cheaper to get a larger supply?

All thoughts welcome. Thanks in advance.

[jmelson]

- ~.5 CFM (@max pressure)

Q1) Can I find a similar (price/size/power) compressor that accepts 120VAC? I have tried looking around... alibaba, google, etc. I don't exactly know of a place to search for "small 120VAC compressors"

This is a quite small compressor, but you certainly should be able to find one that runs off AC.  Thomas Industries is one of the makers.  Also, you might look at compressors for air brush use, they have pretty low volume delivery.  (But, maybe don't handle 100 PSI.)

Jon

[SkyMaster]

Home Depot sells 120 VAC air compressors.

The DEWALT model DWFP55130 has 2.5 gallons tank with a 200 psi max pressure. I suppose this unit could supply 0.5 cfm at 100 psi without having to run continuously. The cost is less than $250.

It is considerably larger then the VIAIR 350C, but I doubt the VIAIR 350C ran really run continuously, as its spec reads:

 Max. Duty Cycle (@ 72°F & 100 PSI):    100%
 Minutes On/Off (@ 72°F & 100 PSI):    1 Hour Run Time

So, it is a 1 hour run time at 72°F. And since there is no cooling of any form, I am afraid 72°F would be rapidly exceeded. Even with cooling, 72°F would be exceeded!

 

[aurmer]

 Max. Duty Cycle (@ 72°F & 100 PSI):    100%
 Minutes On/Off (@ 72°F & 100 PSI):    1 Hour Run Time

So, it is a 1 hour run time at 72°F. And since there is no cooling of any form, I am afraid 72°F would be rapidly exceeded. Even with cooling, 72°F would be exceeded!

 

We will never run it 100%, but the next one down doesn't have enough rating to support our application.

And I believe the sheet is discussing "72°F ventilated ambient temp" not internal temperature.

________________________

I haven't found an AC driven compressor of the same size (physical dimensions are critical). I will seek a consultation on properly speccing a power supply that can handle the inrush current.

Edit: sp