The critical role of VFDs in maximising efficiency and performance
January 2025
Motion Control & Drives
As automation continues to transform industries worldwide, Invertek Drives, a global leader in variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, was at SPS Nuremberg, showcasing the critical role of VFDs in maximising efficiency and performance. VFDs are essential components in modern automation systems, enabling precise motor control and optimisation for a wide range of applications across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, HVAC, water treatment and materials handling. Rhydian Welson, Invertek Drives sales and marketing director, said: “In today’s competitive landscape, businesses face increasing pressure to optimise processes, reduce energy consumption, and minimise operational costs. Our Optidrive VFDs address these challenges by providing precise motor control, leading to significant energy savings and improved process efficiency.”
By precisely matching motor speed to application demands, Optidrive VFDs minimise energy waste, and reduce wear and tear on equipment, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership. This is achieved through advanced motor control algorithms that optimise performance and efficiency in various applications, from simple pumps and fans to complex conveyor systems and industrial machinery.
The intuitive user interface simplifies setup and commissioning, reducing downtime and ensuring quick installation. This ease of use is complemented by a robust design that guarantees reliable operation even in harsh industrial environments, ensuring consistent performance, and minimising maintenance needs. Furthermore, Optidrive VFDs offer comprehensive communication options, enabling seamless integration with a wide range of automation systems and protocols. This allows for effortless connectivity and data exchange, facilitating streamlined operations and improved overall system efficiency.
Further reading:
Solving common automation challenges with Festo’s servo drive and servo motor solutions
Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Automation projects face challenges that include limited installation space, the need for precise and repeatable linear motion, rising cycle-speed demands, and seamless integration with existing control architectures. Festo’s servo portfolio directly addresses these issues with compact, modular drive and motor solutions designed for specific applications.
Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...
Filtration as a reliability driver in motion control systems
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
This article highlights the importance of filtration in motion control systems, how contamination affects performance, and what fleet managers, operators and maintenance teams in southern Africa can do to reduce downtime, avoidable wear and costly repairs, aided by Baldwin Filters.
Read more...
Supporting construction of next-gen floating offshore wind turbines
Motion Control & Drives
While windy locations naturally make ideal spots for offshore wind farms, they bring challenges when it comes to assembling wind turbines, particularly in ports. Mammoet was approached by Euroports to support with the marshalling and assembly of the components that make up the three turbines at Port-la-Nouvelle in France.
Read more...
Rollers excel where profits balance on a knife edge
igus
Motion Control & Drives
Polymer component specialist manufacturer, igus has developed a range of lubrication-free long-life knife edge rollers designed to improve the transfer of products between conveyor belts in high-speed production environments.
Read more...
Bringing physical AI to the factory floor by deploying humanoids in industrial operations
Siemens South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens and Humanoid have marked a landmark milestone in the journey to bring physical AI from vision to industrial reality. Humanoid’s humanoid robothas been successfully tested in operations at Siemens’ electronics factory in Germany, performing autonomous logistics tasks.
Read more...
Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings
WEG Africa
Motion Control & Drives
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.
Read more...
Rising demand for advanced coolant technology
Motion Control & Drives
As modern engines become smaller, more powerful and increasingly complex, coolant technology has undergone a fundamental transformation.
Read more...
Addressing cost, supply and disease pressures in Africa’s feed industry
Motion Control & Drives
Feed producers across Africa are operating in an increasingly complex and volatile environment. The pressures are forcing producers to rethink how they operate, balancing cost control, production efficiency and the need for greater flexibility in an unpredictable market.
Read more...
Rapid headframe replacement for Canada’s biggest potash mine
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet has supported Ledcor with the construction of BHP’s new Jansen potash mine.
Read more...
printer friendly version