Eight billion electric motors consume 50% of the electricity produced in Europe.

Around eight billion electric motors consume almost 50 per cent of the electricity produced in Europe. Globally, 40 per cent of electricity is consumed by industry, with two thirds of it used by electric motors. And yet less than 20 per cent of electric motors are controlled by VFDs.

"Electric motors account for a significant proportion of electricity use worldwide. And it's not just in industry. AC electric motors are present in our daily lives in one form or another, from HVAC systems in urban buildings to the domestic fridge," said Kes Beech, technical manager at Invertek Drives.

"Inefficient motors cause higher energy consumption, which in turn generates higher carbon emissions. But it's not just energy consumption that contributes to these emissions. The manufacturing processes themselves, such as water treatment and ventilation, can also cause emissions or increase environmental costs if they are not precisely controlled."

Variable Frequency Drives can reduce energy usage by up to 30 or 40%

Globally, variable frequency drive technology is already reducing energy consumption by up to 30 or 40 per cent in many applications. This leads to a reduction in carbon emissions. But with less than 20 per cent of electric motors controlled by drives, significant pathways can still be built to meet the EC's new climate ambitions.

The EC's green deal aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. That may seem a long way off, but in industry terms, it's not.

Variable Frequency Drives can be easily adapted to existing electric motor applications

"VFDs can be easily adapted both to existing electric motor processes and integrated into new application designs. We don't need to look to the future and think about developing a new technology. It already exists. But we in the drive industry, and governments and commercial organisations, have to promote and encourage greater use of VFDs in existing and future motor-controlled applications."

He added: ‘As with all technologies, VFDs are constantly evolving. At Invertek, we have a large innovation, research and development team working on advances in VFD hardware and software technologies. This allows for even more efficient control of electric motors.

"With more motor-based systems integrated with VFDs, we can create greater efficiency, reduce energy consumption and consequently cut carbon emissions."

Invertek's Optidrive Variable Frequency Drives can be used in most applications driven by electric motors. With IP66 / NEMA 4X protection, they can operate even in harsh environmental conditions.

REIMAN, Invertek's Portuguese partner, is on hand to collaborate with the national industry in reducing energy costs and the environmental footprint, thus also helping to achieve the targets set by the European Union.