A variable speed drive controls the speed, torque and operation of an electric motor. It adjusts the motor’s power supply according to equipment needs, helping improve control, reduce harsh starts, protect mechanical components and optimize energy consumption.
Several other terms are also used to describe these devices, including variable frequency drive, VFD, drive, AC drive, electronic speed controller, motor controller, speed controller and adjustable frequency drive.
Moteurs Gosselin helps you select, repair, replace or refurbish a variable speed drive according to the motor, power, voltage, application, control parameters and operational constraints.
Also called VFDs or adjustable frequency drives, variable frequency drives control the speed of an electric motor by adjusting the frequency and voltage supplied to it. The drive allows the motor to adapt to the actual load of the equipment.
Variable frequency drives are used on pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, HVAC systems, production machines, processing equipment and industrial processes that require precise speed control.
WEG, Delta, Techtop, ABB Baldor, Leeson, Lenze.
Single-phase and three-phase drives control motor speed based on the available electrical supply, voltage, power and type of motor being operated.
A single-phase drive may be suitable for certain lower-power pumps, fans, small conveyors, compressors or workshop machines. A three-phase drive is generally better suited to industrial environments that require more power, stability and performance.
Moteurs Gosselin helps you validate the right type of drive according to your electrical installation, motor, load and operating constraints. We offer solutions in stock up to 300 HP and available up to 2000 HP depending on project needs, application and motor specifications.
WEG, Delta, Techtop, ABB Baldor, Leeson, Lenze.
Soft starters reduce electrical and mechanical stress when a motor starts or stops. They are used when the goal is not to control speed during operation, but to provide smoother acceleration and deceleration.
Soft starters are suitable for pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, crushers, mixers, production equipment and systems where harsh starting can cause electrical or mechanical stress.
WEG, ABB Baldor.
Also known as DC motor drives, DC drives control the speed and torque of direct current motors. They are generally used to keep existing industrial equipment, older machines or processes using direct current technology in operation.
DC drives are suitable for variable-speed conveyors, presses, extruders, winders, winches, lifting equipment, packaging machines, production lines and industrial systems that require precise motion control.
KB, Dart Controls, Sprint Electric.
Servo drives control servo motors in systems that require precision, repeatability and fast response. They manage speed, torque, position and motion according to the application parameters. Servo drives are also used on CNC machine tools, including CNC milling machines, CNC lathes and machining centres.
They are also used in robotics, positioning systems, packaging lines, automated machines and precision production equipment.
Festo, Delta.
Electronic speed controllers and motor controllers adjust motor speed, torque, acceleration and deceleration according to the equipment’s needs. In industry, the term drive is also often used to refer to a variable speed drive, variable frequency drive or motor control system.
These devices improve motor control, reduce mechanical stress during starting and stopping, and help pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, production machines and automated systems operate more smoothly and efficiently.
WEG, Delta, ABB Baldor, Lenze, Leeson, KB, Dart Controls, Sprint Electric, Festo.
As a variable speed drive specialist, Moteurs Gosselin assesses your needs, validates your motor’s technical specifications and recommends a solution adapted to your drive, equipment and operating constraints. We support you at every step so you can make the best decision for your needs.
Our team helps you avoid poor selections, performance losses, compatibility errors, unexpected downtime, difficult starts, control issues and premature wear on your motorized equipment.
Moteurs Gosselin is an EASA member and works according to recognized standards such as CSA, NEMA, IEC and IEEE.
When a variable speed drive shows signs of failure, the Moteurs Gosselin team helps determine whether it is better to repair it, replace it or propose an equivalent solution.
A variable speed drive can begin to fail before the equipment stops completely. A quick inspection can help limit damage and production downtime.
Here are the ten main signs to watch for:
If you notice any of these signs, Moteurs Gosselin can inspect your drive, perform a diagnosis and recommend the best solution.
Moteurs Gosselin offers pickup and shipping services to simplify the purchase, replacement, repair or refurbishment of your variable speed drives.
Based in the Eastern Townships, our team supports businesses across Canada and the Northeastern USA, including Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and surrounding regions.
You can count on our team to help coordinate a solution adapted to your budget, deadlines and operational needs.
A variable frequency drive is a type of variable speed drive. It controls the speed of an AC motor by adjusting the supply frequency and voltage. In industry, the terms variable speed drive, variable frequency drive, VFD and drive are often used to describe similar equipment.
A variable speed drive adjusts the operation of an electric motor according to equipment needs. It controls speed, torque, acceleration, deceleration and, in some cases, energy consumption.
A soft starter is suitable when the main goal is to reduce shocks during starting and stopping. A variable speed drive is better suited when motor speed must be controlled during operation.
Yes, in many cases. However, voltage, power, motor type, control parameters, inputs and outputs, communication protocol, enclosure and compatibility with the existing equipment must be validated.
Failure can be caused by heat, dust, humidity, voltage spikes, faulty connections, worn internal fans, ageing capacitors, overload or incorrectly configured parameters.
Ideally, prepare a photo of the drive nameplate, a photo of the motor nameplate, the error message displayed, the symptoms observed, the voltage, power, application and level of urgency.
Yes. Moteurs Gosselin can help validate control parameters according to the motor, application and operating requirements of your equipment.
Replacement may be preferable if the components are too damaged, if parts are difficult to obtain, if the model is obsolete or if an equivalent drive can reduce downtime.
Looking for a new variable speed drive, an equivalent model, a repair or a replacement? Contact Moteurs Gosselin and our team will help you choose the most reliable solution based on your motor, equipment, application and level of urgency.
