Variable Speed Drives

Save Money utilizing Variable Speed Drives

When fixed-speed drives are used to meet a variable demand, you risk inflated utility bills and excess energy usage. APenergy collaborates with manufacturing plants and facilities to ensure they get the most out of their systems while maintaining energy-efficient operations.

What Are Variable Speed Drives?

A variable speed drive—also known as a variable frequency drive or an adjustable speed (AC) drive system—is used to control the rotational speed and torque of the industrial application’s fan motor by adjusting its frequency and voltage. It controls the speed of the motor and ensures it’s consistent and precise. When an application’s mechanisms and motors are inconsistent, it can be ineffective, reduce the lifespan of your unit, and waste large amounts of energy.

When APenergy does a facility assessment, we are looking at all of your processes to find your most effective project opportunities. Variable speed drives are a very common solution in the energy field and we are no stranger to their vast applications. However what many mistake as a single source energy solution, APenergy understands that not all motor applications are benefited by installing a variable speed drive. Our 35 years of industry experience helps provide practical solutions to your energy needs.

Save Money and Energy With Variable Speed Technology

Variable speed control boxes offer power switching and protection, adjustable speeds, visual control, and security protection for your industrial applications and HVAC systems. APenergy works with industrial manufacturers to ensure their operations utilize the potential of Variable speed drives when applicable.

How Do Variable Speed Drives Save Energy?

Variable speed drives are a crucial component of an efficient energy strategy. APenergy promotes them to businesses because they are green and smart, and they’ll reduce energy consumption and save your company money.

Without a VSD, the fixed AC motor speed and torque operate at a constant speed, wasting energy and putting additional wear on the system. However, by integrating a VSD into your applications, the air supply is controlled by directly changing the speed or torque of the motor; this results in increased efficiency and energy savings.

Where To Integrate VSDs

VSDs are commonly integrated into heating and air conditioning systems, but we also suggest implementing them into other industrial applications, including fans and pumps. By implementing VSDs into your applications, you have the opportunity to reduce energy consumption by up to 70%.

APenergy Variable Frequency Drive Project

Last year, an industrial manufacturing facility reached out to us for an energy audit of their three coolant pumps. From this audit, they hoped to identify potential projects or Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) where energy, resources, and costs have the potential for reduction. ECMs are proposals for individual projects, each requiring individual engineering and project development. The audit also identifies opportunities with the potential to immediately impact the plant with minimal or no cost of implementation.

After performing the energy audit, our highly skilled technicians suggested that the facility should implement new VFDs on their three 100hp pump applications. The facility only operates two of these pumps at a given time. These applications were throttled to 35% and 65% open, and they were pulling full load power. By implementing VFDs, users can control the flow by providing variable speed pump operation. This results in reduced system pressure and function, and maintenance costs will also be reduced.

The total for completing the recommended project came to a cost just under $100,000. This figure represents a simple payback period of approximately 2 years. A comprehensive annual energy reduction of 700,000 kWh/year was achieved through the implementation of the ECM.

Optimize Your Variable Speed System With APenergy

Variable speed drives provide many benefits for industrial applications and heating and cooling systems, but only if they’re working to their fullest potential. At APenergy, we partner with industries looking to save money and reduce their facility’s energy consumption.

The APenergy process starts with an energy analysis to determine where there may be gaps or inconsistencies in your industrial applications. After auditing your systems, our energy experts consult with you to develop an implementation plan with quotes on equipment and contractors. But don’t worry—we’re not leaving you there.

We know how expensive changes to your facility’s systems can be. That’s why we find utility and funding incentives for our clients that fund 20% to 100% of the project. Ready to save money and promote a more energy-efficient building? Reach out to APenergy today to get started!

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Independent and brand-neutral, our loyalty lies with delivering the best results for the client. Count on APenergy to deliver the solutions to optimize your energy usage.