Guidelines in selecting variable-speed drives from a user´s viewpoint

The author notes that the optimum selection of a variable-speed drive requires an understanding and definition of the application, awareness of the various types of adjustable-speed drives as well as an understanding of their characteristics, and knowledge of the type of support required. He presents some general guidelines to assist in selecting the appropriate drives for a given application. He first discusses the technical characteristics both of the application and of the drive itself. Next, he includes vendor support characteristics that are nontechnical in nature but contribute to the total selection process. The present discussion is restricted to electrical adjustable-speed drives