In 2021, the installation of ABB VSDs to improve energy efficiency provided a payback period of three years. This was acceptable as the savings would continue through the life of the installation. However, recent electricity price increases mean that for Severn Trent Water (STW) VSD payback periods tumble. STW is saving 15,000 kWh annually […]
Anglian Water trials using variable speed drives (VSDs) to control the speed of Archimedes screw pumps, resulted in a three-month energy savings of £26,000 across three wastewater treatment sites. It also helped to reduce wear on the associated belts, drive chains and bearings. Each site uses three Archimedes screw pumps each controlled by a 90 […]
Most motor driven machines benefit from the use of variable speed drives (VSD). In some applications it is from energy savings and in others, improved control of the application. According to ABB, variable torque loads offer the most energy saving and efficiency benefits. This category includes pumps, fans, and air handling units. Pumps VSDs […]
Modern VSDs take advantage of new, higher efficiency motor designs, like synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM) that have no rotor losses. These motors operate with 40 percent lower losses compared to a conventional induction motor, so replacing old drives can make sense. According to ABB Drives, the lower losses allow motor construction in two […]
Most industries face the common challenges of reducing energy use whilst maintaining product quality and productivity. Productivity improvements drive up profits to satisfy stakeholders. On an industrial site with an electricity bill of £150,000 a year, about £100,000 may go on running motors. According to ABB Drives, the energy-saving benefits of energy-saving drives are well […]