Variable Speed
Drives Sydney

What Is A Variable Speed Drive?

A variable speed drive is a device which helps to regulate the speed of a motor by varying the electrical supply. As a result, variable speed drives are extremely good at making sure that conventional motors have adequate cooling and do not overheat.

Situations In Which To Use A Variable Speed Drive

Motors are used throughout industry. In fact, it is estimated that motors consume more than 65 percent of industrial electricity.

They’re employed in hundreds of applications, including:

Ski lifts
Conveyor belts
Plant machinery
Ventilation systems
Paper machines and fans.

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What Are Variable Speed Drives Used For?

Variable drives are used to control the speed of motors. Conventional motors are controlled by using a value to adjust the flow of fuel. The flow of fuel can be altered, the speed of the motor remains unchanged. Although there are some solutions which try to work around this problem by having two-speed settings or temporarily interrupting the supply of fuel, these methods are largely inefficient from an energy usage standpoint.

A variable speed drive solves this problem by allowing the flow of current to a motor to be finely adjusted. More current will induce the motor to go faster, while less current will have the opposite effect.

Benefits Of Variable
Speed Drives

Reduced Energy Usage

It is estimated that electrical motors consume more than 115 million MWh of electricity every year. That’s the equivalent energy output of more than 14 nuclear reactors.

By adjusting energy usage to requirements, the average plant running a 30 kWh motor for 5,000 hours a year could save in excess of 76,500 kWh electricity compared to using a damper.

Compatible Across Motors

One concern is that variable speed drives are not compatible across motors. But pulse width modulation drives (PWD) are used in applications ranging from as little as 0.5 HP all the way up to 500 HP. There are other types of variable frequency drives too, such as source inverters (CSI) and voltage source inverters (VSI), all of which are suitable for particular applications. Some drives are as small as a milk carton, others as large as a car. There are drives for single motor applications, as well as multi-motor setups.

Highly Efficient

Variable speed drives are constructed in a way that makes them highly efficient. Pulse width modulation drives, for instance, are able to run at between 92 and 96 percent.

Can Ride Out Power Losses

If power output dips by a small amount, many variable speed drives are able to continue working, feeding power to equipment and preventing downtime.

Better Process Control

With better voltage control, variable speed drives allow you to ramp up or ramp down operations as needed. Motors can be programmed to run at precise speeds or to stop at an exact time.

Increased Equipment Life

Starting up a single speed motor subjects it to high initial torque. With a variable speed drive, torque can be increased gradually, reducing wear and tear.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a variable speed drive and how does it work?

A variable speed drive is a device that regulates the speed of an electric motor by varying the electrical supply — allowing the motor to run slower or faster as required, rather than simply running at full speed all the time.

2. What are the main benefits of installing a VSD?

Key benefits include:

Significant energy savings by matching motor speed to load rather than always full speed.
Better process control (you can ramp up/down speed, improve precision).
Reduced wear and tear on equipment (gentler starts, less stress).
Increased equipment life and reliability.

3. Which applications are suitable for VSD installation?

VSDs are well suited for motors used in applications such as conveyor belts, fans, pumps, ventilation systems, plant machinery and similar industrial/commercial uses.

4. Are VSDs compatible with different motor sizes and types?

Yes, modern VSDs can work across a wide range of motor sizes (from small fractional horsepower up to hundreds of horsepower), and are engineered for compatibility with many types of motors.

5. What should I consider when installing or maintaining a VSD?

Important factors include:

Ensuring proper installation by qualified professionals (poor installation is a major cause of failure).
Providing suitable environment (e.g., ambient temperature, protection from moisture).
Scheduling regular maintenance and inspections to maximise reliability and avoid downtime.

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Variable Speed
Drives Sydney

What Is A Variable Speed Drive?

Situations In Which To Use A Variable Speed Drive

What Are Variable Speed Drives Used For?

Benefits Of Variable
Speed Drives

Reduced Energy Usage

Compatible Across Motors

Highly Efficient

Can Ride Out Power Losses

Better Process Control

Increased Equipment Life

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a variable speed drive and how does it work?

2. What are the main benefits of installing a VSD?

3. Which applications are suitable for VSD installation?

4. Are VSDs compatible with different motor sizes and types?

5. What should I consider when installing or maintaining a VSD?

Ready to start your next move?

Let’s Talk About Your Facility

Enter New

Confirmation

Services

General Electrical

Industrial

Lighting

Data & Comms

Home

Services

Projects

About Us

Contact Us

Services

Variable Speed Drives Sydney

What Is A Variable Speed Drive?

Situations In Which To Use A Variable Speed Drive

What Are Variable Speed Drives Used For?

Benefits Of Variable Speed Drives

Reduced Energy Usage

Compatible Across Motors

Highly Efficient

Can Ride Out Power Losses

Better Process Control

Increased Equipment Life

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a variable speed drive and how does it work?

2. What are the main benefits of installing a VSD?

3. Which applications are suitable for VSD installation?

4. Are VSDs compatible with different motor sizes and types?

5. What should I consider when installing or maintaining a VSD?

Ready to start your next move?

Let’s Talk About Your Facility

Enter New

Confirmation

Variable Speed
Drives Sydney

Benefits Of Variable
Speed Drives