Air Compressor A machine that decreases the volume and increases the pressure of air. Compressed air possesses great potential energy, because when the external pressure is removed, the air expands rapidly. The controlled expansive force of compressed air provides the force for air motors and tools. In a reciprocating compressor the air is compressed by a piston in a cylinder. A rotating air compressor usually consists of a rotor that spins inside a closed circular housing.
Air is drawn in at the center of the wheel and accelerated by the spinning blades.
A diffuser converts the moving air into pressure, and the compressed air is forced out through a narrow passage to the storage tank.