Evaluation of Cooling System Design for a Portable Air Compressor Designed to Meet EPA Noise Requirements

A cooling system design for a gasoline engine powered portable air compressor designed to meet EPA noise standards is evaluated. This paper covers the development that took place in order to devise an adequate cooling system for a silenced compressor with noise reduced by shrouding of the machine with a sound attenuating housing. The successful cooling system consisted of resolving maximum engine coolant temperature and maximum compressor discharge temperature while maintaining a compressor noise level of 76 dBA at 7 m. The cooling system design procedure involved is outlined. Noise evaluation at Sullair Corporation, and cooling system testing at McCord Corporation are reported.