In short, variable speed drives are designed to help businesses optimise energy usage for their processes, which means operators can enjoy cost savings, a reduced carbon footprint, and lower maintenance costs. Those are some very potent advantages, and a large part of the reason why variable speed drives are such pivotal components of countless processes worldwide. Essentially, almost any operation that involves an electric motor can benefit from variable speed drives. Almost 70% of all global energy use goes into powering various types of electric motors – encompassing everything from pumps moving fluid, fans moving air, or conveyors or lifts moving physical cargo. All of it relies on some form of rotational force – and that’s where variable speed drives can be worth their weight in gold.

What is a variable speed drive?

Essentially, a variable speed drive is an electronic device that controls the speed of an electric motor. In simple terms, it does this by regulating the amount of power that’s being fed into that motor, according to the amount of power that’s required. To give a slightly more detailed and technical explanation of the same process – a variable speed drive converts the incoming supply of fixed frequency and voltage into a variable frequency and variable voltage output to the motor. The end result is a corresponding change in the motor speed and torque. The variable speed drive sits between the electrical supply and the motor, enabling it to manage the motor’s speed from zero revolutions per minute (RPM) up to anywhere between 100% or 120% of its full rated speed. Whichever explanation you prefer, the key takeaway is that variable speed drivers are flexible, capable of adjusting the power supplied to the motor according to only what’s required for the operation.

What are the advantages of variable speed drives?

There are a couple of key advantages associated with variable speed drives. These include: Greater energy efficiency and reduced energy costs Reduce maintenance costs Lower your carbon footprint Lower ambient noise emissions Let’s have a quick look at each one in a bit more detail!  

Greater energy efficiency and reduced energy costs

Variable speed drives can respond dynamically to changing conditions, allowing operations to be run with much greater energy efficiency. For example, if a variable speed drive can lower the speed of a fan or motor to 80% of its normal capacity, without impacting on the efficiency of the overall operation, that can potentially save as much as 50% of the energy used. This can result in significant savings on energy bills, especially for large industrial sites.

Reduce maintenance costs

Greater efficiency in your operations can also benefit your machinery in more indirect ways too. Machines that aren’t being constantly pushed to 100% will tend to have a longer operational lifespan, and you may well find yourself making fewer and less intensive repairs.

Lower your carbon footprint

More than 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are generated from the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation. This means that increasing your own energy efficiency reduces your reliance on the National Grid, and has a direct impact in reducing your carbon footprint. That can be a valuable step forward in helping your company to hit its environmental goals for CSR or ESG, especially if you have set your own Net Zero target for the coming years.

Lower your ambient noise emissions

This is arguably the least technical of all the benefits of variable speed drives – essentially, machines tend to be at their loudest when they’re running to full capacity all the time. The ability of variable speed drives to optimise their speed can mean reduced noise output, which can make environments more comfortable for your staff and others in the immediate area.

Where can I get the best variable speed drives?

Right here with us at LED Controls! We supply an extensive range of variable speed drives to choose from, assembled by some of the world’s most prestigious manufacturers, including Danfoss and IMO. And of course, they’re all available at the very best prices. Feel free to start exploring our range today – and if you’ve got any questions, or if you need any advice, one of our friendly team is always on hand. Just give us a call on 01706 242050, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help!