Today , the industrial workforce can make smarter decisions , increase efficiency , and cut costs with the tap of a smartphone , explains Tuomo Hoysniemi , President , Drive Products , ABB .

Tuomo Hoysniemi ,

President , Drive Products , ABB

Almost every product or service modern society uses , including technology , food , drinks , transportation , and more , depends on industrial electric motors somewhere along the line . These motors are a cornerstone of the global economy – collectively consuming 45 percent of the world ’ s electricity – but many use more energy than they need . To maintain high global standards of living while pursuing Net Zero , we must make these motors more efficient . One solution is to pair motors with variable speed drives ( VSDs ), which control their speed and torque to match the exact requirements of the workload .

Depending on the application , drives typically deliver energy savings of 25 percent or more – which also greatly reduces operating costs .

Further energy efficiency is possible through digitalization . Modern motor-drive systems include data gathering , networking and control features that enable operators to continually track real-time information on how well the equipment is performing . In addition to improving energy efficiency , these motor-drive systems are also easier to use and more effective , enabling operating personnel to simplify processes and optimize operations and maintenance .