Today, variable frequency drives (VFDs) are ubiquitous components across many industries. Control Engineering Europe spoke to Kes Beech, Technical Manager at Invertek Drives, find out more about their history and how they are able to ensure greater efficiency in electric motor applications.

Jeremy Wilkinson looks at the latest EU directive and explains how a proactive approach can help achieve the greatest energy savings.

Owain Betts explains the important role that Variable Frequency Drives are already playing in helping manufacturers adopt more sustainable practices.

Wilhelm Kaiser discusses the newest driver for the adoption of variable speed drives (VSDs) – sustainability.

Marek Lukaszyzk explains how updated EU motor efficiency regulations present an opportunity for industrial manufacturers to invest in more efficient motors to help overcome rising energy costs.

Replacing an inefficient damper-based fan system with variable frequency drives has helped a Brazilian ceramics producer reduce energy use in part of its process by 60%, while increasing the quality of its products at the same time.

Successful trials at three Anglian Water sites prove variable speed drives can cut the energy used by Archimedes’ screws.

Whether you are looking to replace or repair a motor, it is important to give accurate details of the motor you currently have. The most relevant information should be recorded on the motor's nameplate. Karl Metcalfe explains what the key elements mean.

WEG has released a free whitepaper including architecture design examples for implementing VSDs in different safety systems. 

Anders Nazell explains how it is possible to contribute to an even greener future for the pulp and paper industry, by making small equipment upgrades.

Through a combination of standard industrial motors and creative collaboration, advanced technology customisations are made to allow high-precision, long-life motors to make it to Mars and beyond.

Brushless DC motors are the technology of choice for applications operating at higher speeds. However two different motor architectures can present a selection conundrum, says Madhavan Ramanujam and Cyril Baud.

A new approach to smart condition monitoring allows much more than just monitoring machines and processes – it provides extensive information about the ‘state of health’ of machines and plants without the need for any additional, costly sensor technology, says Marc Vissers. 

Interestingly, there are some operating conditions where servomotors that should be big enough for an application are actually too small, in terms of their power rating. Find out more. 

Control Engineering Europe finds out how a traditional mains-driven geared motor can be integrated into the IIoT without the need for a frequency inverter.

Tea manufacturers in Sri Lanka have benefitted from both energy reductions and increased product quality since the adoption of variable frequency drives into the leaf drying process.

Paul Streatfield explores the most recent criteria for industrial drive specification, which helps machine builders meet the challenges posed by today’s industrial requirements.

Configuration using PC-based control software, EtherCAT networks, integrated drives, and one-cable technology (OCT) can simplify motion control system design and reduce servomotor costs, says Matt Prellwitz.

Franck Roussillon offers some advice on how to match the most suitable air motor to an application.

The main hoist of a crane vessel capable of lifting more than 80 tonnes of load can now operate more precisely and accurately following the installation and commissioning of a heavy-duty Optidrive P2 variable frequency drive from Invertek Drives.