Energy Efficient Drives

Electric motors drive industrial applications all over the world. As such, the energy efficiency testing standards and efficiency classifications for these motors can vary greatly from one country to the next.

To accommodate the global nature of business, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) was formed to globalize electrical standards including efficiency standards.

Frequency inverter reducers are a complete package solution with a gearbox, motor and Variable Frequency Drive (or VFD) that are specifically paired together in order to create the best solution. When the relationship between the motor, gearbox and VFD are all considered upfront, there is an opportunity to create an optimized, cost effective and efficient system.

Variable frequency drives (also called "VFDs," "AC vector drives," "inverters" or "variable speed drives") can be thought of as a motor controller that operates the motor by changing the applied voltage and frequency to the motor. A VFD can control the speed of a motor, as well as how it starts and stops. One advantage of using a VFD is it limits the inrush (starting) current, which is easier on the motor.

According to Electrical Construction and Maintenance Magazine, variable frequency drives  are "the most effective motor controller in the industry today."