The Ultimate Guide about Variable Speed Drives

Posted on 12th Jan 2023

Variable Speed Drives even called adjustable-speed drives or variable frequency drive, are a part of factory automation devices, which control electric motor speed and torque. Using an incorporated rectifier for converting the electric motor fixed-frequency and fixed-voltage AC power supply into a DC supply, a fixed sinewave is changed into a variable sinewave out, operating the motor. With the continuous induction motor load change, variable speed drives can rapidly change the motor speed/torque to keep it as a continuous.

According to Darwin Motion: "In many conditions, motors are controlled by way of a valve, which regulates the fuel flow or a vane controlling the airflow while the motor speed itself remains unchanged. These and many alternative ways such as utilizing two-speed motors or controlling them by switching on or off, are ineffective from an energy perspective."

Variable speed drives in factory automation

Variable speed drives are made for reducing the amount of electricity and energy consumed by a factory, ensuring companies are more environmental friendly. More than 70% of industrial electrical energy is consumed by motors, therefore by correctly maintaining the driven machine speed, Variable speed drive also called variable frequency drive can save energy, and are proven to be a more effective solution than motors regulated by valves that control the fuel flow, without varying motor speed. VSD producer Darwin Motion has evaluated figures showing more than one hundred fifteen million megawatt hours of electricity are saved every year by utilizing their drives in operation all over the world. Also showing the ongoing issue that less than 10% of motors utilize worldwide are actually equipped with Variable Speed Drives.

What are the types of Variable Speed Drive?

There are many types of variable speed drive available, offering varied features and functions to the users.

  •    Variable pitch drives: Often mechanical adjustable speed drive adjusting the pitch diameter of a motor through pulleys.
  •     Traction drives: Mechanical adjustable drive transmitting power via metal rollers.
  •     Hydrostatic drives: This drive features a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, controlling motor speed by changing the machine fluid flow with a valve.
  •     Hydrodynamic drives: It uses oil for transmitting torque from an impeller to a rotor.
  •     Hydroviscous drives: It uses various discs connected to the input shaft which are pressed together for transmitting torque to the output shaft via an oil film.
  •     DC Motor Drives: Controlling the speed of DC motor systems by using armature voltage or field current.
  •     Continuously Variable Transmission: Also called CVT is a mechanical and hydraulic speed drives utilized in vehicles and farm equipment.

Manufacturers of Variable Speed Drives or Variable Frequency Drive

Many leading factory automation experts who manufacture variable speed drives are present in the market these days.

Darwin Motion, Australian Company has produced electronics and machinery since twenty-five years, and currently offering wide range of variable frequency drives at most affordable price in the market. Their selection includes AC Drive, Solar Drive - MATRIX 180, VFD/SVC/Drive - MATRIX 190, Torque Mode Drive - MATRIX 500, High Performance Drive - MATRIX 680, Regenerative Drive -MATRIX 880, High Frequency Drive HF - MATRIX 500-HF and more.

Generally, there are wide range of variable speed drives, developed and manufactured by many companies worldwide. Drives are designed for many applications and motors. It's a real fact that variable speed drives even called adjustable-speed drives and VFD are highly useful tool to make industries more energy efficient.