A compressed air unit is provided having a motor housing with a main motor housing having a cavity. A motor is arranged within the cavity and a compressor rotor is connected to the motor. A cooling duct is integral with and extends from the main housing body. The cooling duct is in fluid communication with the cavity. An inner housing includes a main inlet housing body providing a compressor inlet for providing fluid to the compressor rotor. An inlet duct is integral with and extends from the main inlet housing body and in fluid communication with the compressor inlet. A transfer tube is interconnected between the cooling and inlet ducts. A source of clean cooling air is provided by providing a reverse flow pickup from the inlet flow boundary layer at the compressor inlet.