A variable speed drive’s (VSD) primary function regulates how much energy is sent from the main supply to the application process. Variable speed drives are always between the power source and the electric motor. Therefore, when the drive receives electricity from the electrical source, the drive then controls the amount of power delivered to the motor.
The incoming power is passed through a rectifier inside the drive, which converts the received AC power into DC power. The capacitors inside the drive are then supplied with converted DC power. This provides a clean power supply for the subsequent step by smoothing the electrical waveform. Finally, an inverter converts the DC power from the capacitors back into the output AC power, which is then sent to the motor.
This step enables the drive to modify the frequency and voltage delivered to the motor by the demands of the running process. This means AC motors are operated at the speed or torque required to meet the demand. As such, adopting variable speed drives can result in significant financial savings. In addition to saving energy, variable speed drives also help you reduce maintenance costs, waste and even ambient noise emissions.
Why should you use a variable speed drive?
Electric motors are crucial to the operations and activities of our daily lives. Everything we require for work or play is moved and operated by motors.
These motors are all powered by electricity that requires the corresponding amount of electrical energy to generate torque and speed. Mechanical controls are employed to slow down or control output if the torque or speed is too low or too high. As a result, there is a lot of energy and material waste. Hence, the motor’s speed must match what the process needs.
Some of the many reasons to invest in variable speed drives (VSD):
- Enhanced operational efficiency
A system controlled by VSDs can be automated, thus saving expenses and man-hours.
- Savings in maintenance
VSDs reduce mechanical stress during operation and start-up, extending equipment lifespan.
- Savings on electricity bill
VSDs use only the needed amount of energy by running the motors at partial load, which can result up to 50% reduction in energy consumption of drive system.
These kinds of significant improvements can be made in both extensive industrial operations and smaller installations.
Why choose ABB’s variable speed drives?
IPD offers ABB’s all-compatible drives portfolio, which is aac market-leading range providing shared benefits below:
Same user interface
The drives follow the same operation logic and yet, there is an optimal drive from the smallest water pump to the biggest cement kiln, and everything in the between. When you have learned to use one drive, it is easy to use other drives in the portfolio.
Simple connectivity
ABB all-compatible drives support F-series fieldbus adapters.
Mobile phone connectivity via the optional Bluetooth assistant control panel
Fieldbus settings are made easy with the redesigned simple settings menu
Same PC tools
Free Drive Composer entry available at www.abb.com. The same parameter structure makes the all-compatible platform easy to use.
ABB low voltage variable speed drives
Machinery drives
Premium motor control with hardware flexibility, programmability, and scalability for an optimal solution.
- ACS180 Compact robust and adaptable variable speed drive for applications from 0.37 to 22kW
- ACS355 Machine builder’s flexible choice from 0.37 to 22kW
- ACS380 Reliable performer that integrates seamlessly to any automation system, from 0.37 to 22kW
General purpose drives
All the essential features built-in, simplifying drive selection, installation and use.
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ACS480 Drive for a broad range of basic applications from 0.75 to 22kW
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ACS580 A new generation, wall-mounted, drive module and cabinet-built drive from 0.75 to 500kW
HVAC drives
Dedicated solutions for HVAC applications, IPD is the master distributor for HVAC drives in Australia.
Water/wastewater
Industrial drives
The benchmark of performance, expertise and quality, serving you locally on a global scale
References:
- Search.abb.com. 2022. ABB general purpose drives. [online] Available Here: [Accessed 18 October 2022].
- Search.abb.com. 2022. ABB drives for HVAC. [online] Available Here: [Accessed 18 October 2022].
- Search.abb.com. 2022. ABB industrial drives. [online] Available Here: [Accessed 18 October 2022].
- Search.abb.com. 2022. ABB machinery drives. [online] Available Here: [Accessed 18 October 2022].
- Search.abb.com. 2022. ABB micro drives ACS55. [online] Available Here: [Accessed 18 October 2022].
- Search.abb.com. 2022. ABB micro drives ACS150. [online] Available Here: [Accessed 18 October 2022].
- Search.abb.com. 2022. ABB drives for water and wastewater. [online] Available Here: [Accessed 18 October 2022].