The Hertz Frecon Plus PM 18 VSD air compressor has been successfully supplied, installed, and commissioned by Airlink Compressors — replacing a failed HPC SK25 unit over a single weekend for a leading F1 product development company in Chichester.
In high-stakes environments like Formula 1 product development, where precision prototyping, pneumatic tooling, and testing demand uninterrupted, clean, and efficient compressed air, any downtime can be costly. When the existing HPC SK25 (a reliable 15 kW fixed-speed rotary screw compressor delivering around 2.1–2.5 m³/min at 7.5–10 bar) suffered a major failure, the team needed a fast, future-proof replacement that would boost reliability, slash energy costs, and fit seamlessly into their facility.
Airlink Compressors — the UK's largest trusted specialists in Hertz Kompressoren and other premium brands — stepped in to deliver a complete turnkey solution. The upgrade to the Hertz Frecon Plus PM 18 (18.5 kW / 25 HP) variable speed drive (VSD) model was completed over the weekend, ensuring zero disruption to weekday operations.
Why the Hertz Frecon Plus PM 18 VSD Was the Perfect Upgrade
The Hertz Frecon Plus PM series features advanced Internal Permanent Magnet (IPM) motor technology (IE5 ultra-premium efficiency class) combined with intelligent VSD control. This allows the compressor to modulate speed precisely to match fluctuating air demand — common in R&D and prototyping setups — delivering:
- Up to 55% energy savings compared to traditional fixed-speed models like the older HPC SK25
- Constant pressure output (wide range: typically 5–13 bar)
- Flow rates up to ~3.4 m³/min at 7.5 bar (depending on exact model configuration), providing higher capacity and better headroom than the previous 15 kW unit
- Ultra-low noise levels (~64 dB(A))
- Compact footprint for easy integration in space-constrained workshops
- Soft-start functionality to eliminate inrush current peaks and extend component life
- Direct 1:1 coupling for zero transmission losses
- Advanced controller with Modbus TCP connectivity, weekly scheduling, and options for heat recovery or integrated dryer
This upgrade not only restores full compressed air capacity but significantly reduces running costs and carbon footprint — critical for innovative companies pushing boundaries in motorsport technology.
The Weekend Installation: Minimal Downtime, Maximum Reliability
Airlink's experienced engineers arrived on Friday, removed the failed HPC SK25, prepared the site (including any necessary piping, electrical, and foundation adjustments), installed the new Hertz Frecon Plus PM 18 VSD, commissioned the system, and carried out full testing and handover — all before Monday morning.
Key highlights of the project:
- Fast-track supply from Hertz Compressors UK's stock
- Professional removal and safe disposal of the old unit
- Expert commissioning to optimize settings for the client's variable-load profile
- Training provided on the user-friendly interface
- Full warranty and ongoing service support arranged
The result? Seamless resumption of operations with a more efficient, quieter, and more capable compressed air system.
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Ready for Your Compressed Air Upgrade?
If your business in manufacturing, automotive, motorsport, or precision engineering is facing rising energy bills, unreliable air supply, or an ageing compressor, a VSD upgrade like the Hertz Frecon Plus PM series can deliver rapid ROI through energy savings and reduced maintenance.
Airlink Compressors offers expert site surveys, free quotes, fast installations (often over weekends to minimize disruption), and nationwide UK coverage.
Contact Airlink Compressors today to discuss your requirements:
- Compressor Link: Hertz Frecon 18 VSD Compressor
- Email/Phone: sales@airlinkcompressors.com / 0800 7555 808
- Specializing in Hertz Kompressoren VSD solutions for energy-efficient compressed air
Don't let compressor failure slow you down — upgrade smarter with Airlink Compressors.