A roadmap to net zero
The next few years will be make-or-break for how global leaders respond to climate change. But businesses have a big part to play and should capitalise on their energy-saving initiatives and investments, argues ABB’s UK managing director, David Hughes.
Harmonising a classic
The UK electricity has issued a new edition of its G5 harmonics recommendations. ABB’s Martin Richardson outlines the main changes between G5/4-1 and G5/5. In a future column, he will examine the impact of the recommendations on variable-speed drive installations.
Nine tips for using VSDs with submersible pumps
Using a VSD to control submersible pump systems raises several important issues. ABB’s Martin Richardson examines them.
Making sense of the torque
Variable-speed drives (VSDs) are intelligent devices, acting like virtual sensors by continuously measuring and calculating parameters that can affect an application. ABB’s Martin Richardson suggests that, if used correctly, this could shift industry from a “fix it when it breaks” mentality to “fix it before it breaks”.
Cavitation needn’t cause aggravation
Cavitation is usually bad news for any pumping system and, if left unchecked, it can wreak havoc with impellers and other components. However, modern VSDs offer an easy, low-cost method to detect and prevent it, as ABB’s Andrew Bould explains.
Using VSDs outdoors? Avoid IP ratings you don’t need
HVAC contractors and consultants sometimes specify IP ratings of IP65 or higher for variable-speed drives used outdoors, but a high IP rating is not the same as “weatherproof”, as ABB’s Carl Turbitt explains.
How to dimension a variable-speed drive
ABB’s Liam Blackshaw offers advice on how to dimension a variable-speed drive correctly to suit the application.
Energy saving: time to return to the basics?
ABB’s Steve Hughes discovers that the energy-saving benefits of variable-speed drives are still not widely understood.
Where is fieldbus heading for drives?
Fieldbuses give variable-speed drives the ability to control processes rapidly and accurately, while accessing data to determine how applications are performing. ABB’s Liam Blackshaw offers some insights into fieldbus developments for VSDs.
What you need to know about SECR
With the first deadline approaching for SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting), ABB’s Stuart Melling takes a look at what companies need to do to prepare for the new regulations.
Hazardous area motors join high-efficiency trend
The trend in motors is for higher efficiencies and the spotlight is now falling on hazardous area motors intended for explosive atmospheres. Rob Wood, ABB’s business line manager for motors and generators, describes what forthcoming legislative changes are likely to mean for motor users.
Monitoring the condition of large MV motors
In last month’s column, Rob Wood, ABB’s local business line manager for motors and generators, looked at predictive maintenance strategies for LV motors. This month, he examines what predictive maintenance means for larger motors.
Predictive maintenance for LV motors
In last month’s column, Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors and generators, looked at three types of maintenance strategy. This month, he examines what predictive maintenance means in practice for maintaining LV motors.
What is the best maintenance plan?
Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors, describes three types of maintenance strategy, and explains the circumstances in which they should be used.
Why electric motors need servicing
Rob Wood, ABB’s UK sales manager for LV motors, examines the factors that can cause motors to age.
