Variable speed drives in electric motors: Quantification of the energy saving potential in the EU

In this meta-study, the total energy-saving potential in Europe, which can be achieved by equipping electric motors with a variable speed drive (VSD), is investigated and quantified. The focus is on applications that predominantly operate in partial load with reduced flow, particularly pump, fan, and compressor applications. A calculation methodology is presented that is based on a literature review and links the saving potentials of the various applications with market conditions. Both market sizes and the share of applications that could potentially be driven by a VSD are considered. From this, the total saving potential for the European Union is determined, amounting to 121.5 TWh per year. In particular, the analysis shows a significant saving potential for fans and pumps, while the potential for compressors is limited, as many compressor applications are already equipped with VSDs.