Variable speed drive upgrade
SAVE ENERGY & MONEY WITH A VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE UPGRADE
A variable speed drive (VSD) upgrade to your fan or pump system can result in a more energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for your facility. Plus, we offer rebates to help you lower your equipment costs.
WHAT IS A VSD?
A VSD is an electrical device used to adjust the speed of an electric motor. It reduces waste by varying the volume of air or water delivered by your fan or pump system. Matching fan or pump system supply needs with a variable system helps you save energy.
The most common type of VSD used with three-phase induction motors is called a variable frequency drive (VFD). VFDs adjust the speed of the induction motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor. To comply with electrical codes, the induction motor driven by the VFD must be designed to operate at variable speeds and rated as “inverter duty”. Unless the current motor is rated for use with a VFD, it’ll need to be replaced before installing a VFD.
Newer and more efficient types of VSDs available in the market today utilize a brushless permanent magnet motor (PMM) that’s equipped with a drive or controller to enable variable speed operation. These PMM VSD systems can be up to 10% more efficient than standard induction motor VFD drive systems. They may cost more than an inverter duty induction motor VFD combination, but the sooner you upgrade, the sooner you can start saving even more. While PMM VSD systems are more prevalent in smaller motor sizes, they’re increasingly becoming available in larger sizes.
WHERE CAN A VSD BE USED?
Wherever variable flow can be applied with fan or pump systems, VSDs can be used. This technology can be applied to fan and pump systems in commercial, industrial, agricultural, or manufacturing applications.
An oversized constant flow pump or fan system that can be revised to operate in a variable flow arrangement using a VSD could reduce your energy consumption by 50%. If you have one of these constant flow systems, consider installing a VSD and additional downstream equipment – such as sensors and controls – to allow it to operate as a variable flow system.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A VSD?
There are three main benefits of using a VSD:
- IMPROVED ENERGY PERFORMANCE
Introducing the ability to reduce and vary the speed of your pump and fan system improves the overall energy performance of your building. By more closely matching fan or pump motor loads to their specific demands, you’ll save money on your energy bills for years to come. - LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS & REDUCED DOWNTIME
Since VSDs can extend the service life of your equipment, having one installed can save you time and money when it comes to maintenance. - PRECISION CONTROL
VSDs match motor speeds with specific application needs, so you can fine-tune your system to operate more efficiently.
GET A REBATE FOR YOUR VSD UPGRADE
We offer rebates to help you with the upfront cost of a VSD upgrade so your business can experience the benefits of saving energy, money, and the environment.