It’d be dangerous if your car engine only had two options: off or full speed. Even if you could drive like this, such an over-simplistic on/off control would waste a lot of gas. The same issue affects motorized equipment, especially fans and pumps. Rather than simply turning a motor from off to full speed, variable speed drives (VSDs) modulate or throttle a motor up or down to meet the true load of what’s needed, just like you do with your car’s gas pedal. By installing a VSD on your motors, you’ll save energy and money, reduce stress on parts and potentially increase the lifespan of your equipment.

Benefits

Here are just a few common VSD applications you can use to improve the energy efficiency of your facility:

HVAC systems

HVAC systems are sometimes oversized and often don’t run at their recommended load. Adding VSDs to the motors that run compressors, fans and pumps can significantly reduce energy use by matching supply with demand.

Demand control ventilation

Reduce exhaust fan energy consumption by adding VSDs. Install them on demand control ventilation systems in offices and indoor parking garages.

Air compressors

Reduce maintenance costs due to jarring loading and unloading of your air compressor by lowering line pressure fluctuations and system line pressure. You can also install a VSD on your current air compressor if it’s not due for a replacement.