Invertek Variable Speed Drives: Which VSD Is Best for Your Application?
Invertek Drives, a Sumitomo Heavy Industries company, manufactures low-voltage variable speed drives for industrial, HVAC, pumping and general-purpose applications. The Optidrive range covers motor ratings from approximately 0.37 kW to 250 kW, depending on the product family, supply voltage, phase configuration and enclosure.
Invertek VSDs support AC induction, permanent-magnet, brushless DC and synchronous-reluctance motors. Confirm compatibility and control performance with the selected drive and motor specifications.
Selecting the correct VSD requires more than matching the motor’s kilowatt rating. Consider motor current, load torque, overload duty, supply voltage, enclosure rating, ambient temperature, braking requirements, cable length, EMC and communications requirements.
In this guide we’ve compared the Optidrive E3, P2 and Eco ranges for industrial, mining, HVAC, water and wastewater applications.
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Optidrive E3: General-Purpose VSD
The Optidrive E3 is a compact general-purpose VSD for basic motor-control applications. The range covers motors from approximately 0.37 kW to 37 kW, or 0.5 HP to 50 HP, depending on supply voltage and phase configuration. Available models include 110 V, 230 V and 400 V supply options.
The E3 is available in IP20 versions for control cabinets and IP66 versions for outdoor or washdown installations. Maximum motor rating depends on enclosure and model. Check the product datasheet before specifying an IP66 unit.
Typical applications include:
- Small centrifugal pumps, irrigation pumps and booster sets.
- Small wastewater pumps and dewatering systems.
- HVAC fans, ventilation systems and fume extraction.
- Greenhouse fans and air-handling equipment.
- Conveyors, packaging machines and light-duty material handling.
- Small mixers and other general industrial machinery.
Key Optidrive E3 features
- Application modes: Industrial, pump and fan modes help simplify commissioning for common load types.
- Simple commissioning: Suited to basic applications that do not require advanced PLC functions or complex motion control.
- Enclosure flexibility: IP20 models suit control cabinets. IP66 models can be installed closer to equipment where environmental conditions allow.
- Overload capability: 150% overload for 60 seconds and 175% for approximately 2.5 seconds, subject to model and operating conditions.
The E3 is suited to standard pump, fan and general-purpose duties. It is suitable for small wastewater pumps, ventilation systems and dewatering applications if motor current, overload duty and environmental requirements are within the model’s ratings.
The E3 is not recommended for high-inertia, high-starting-torque or dynamic applications. Use the Optidrive P2 for these cases.
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Optidrive P2: Industrial and High-Performance Drive
The Optidrive P2 is a high-performance industrial VSD. The range extends from approximately 0.75 kW to 250 kW, depending on supply voltage and model. At 400 V three-phase, models are available up to 250 kW. Other voltage classes have different maximum ratings.
The P2 supports supply systems from approximately 200 V to 600 V, depending on model. IP20, IP55 and IP66 versions are available. Maximum power rating depends on enclosure type. IP66 versions do not cover the full 250 kW range.
Typical P2 applications include:
- Conveyors and material-handling systems.
- Mixers, agitators and high-inertia machines.
- Extruders and machine tools.
- Cranes and hoists.
- Slurry pumps and difficult-starting pumps.
- Process machinery requiring high torque or accurate speed control.
Key Optidrive P2 features
- High overload capability: 150% overload for 60 seconds and 200% for four seconds.
- Sensorless vector control: Provides improved low-speed torque and speed regulation compared with basic V/Hz control.
- High starting torque: Up to 200% torque from zero speed is available in suitable vector-control applications.
- Motor compatibility: Supports induction, permanent-magnet, brushless DC and synchronous-reluctance motors, subject to model compatibility and commissioning requirements.
- Safe Torque Off: STO is available for safety-related applications, subject to correct circuit design, risk assessment and validation.
- Simple PLC functionality: Supports basic sequencing, interlocks and control logic.
- Hoist functions: Supports applications requiring motor brake control.
The P2 is the preferred starting point for high-torque, high-inertia and dynamic industrial applications. It is suitable for machines and process equipment up to 250 kW.
Final selection should be based on motor current and overload duty, not motor power alone.
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Optidrive Eco: Pump, Fan and HVAC Drive
The Optidrive Eco is designed for variable-torque applications such as pumps, fans and HVAC equipment. The range extends from approximately 0.75 kW to 250 kW, depending on voltage, phase and enclosure configuration.
Typical Eco applications include:
- HVAC fans and air-handling units.
- Chilled-water and circulation pumps.
- Booster pump sets.
- Water-supply and wastewater pumping systems.
- Large centrifugal pumps.
- Aeration blowers.
- Other variable-torque applications where energy consumption is a major lifecycle cost.
The Eco may be suitable for some compressor applications. Confirm compatibility with the compressor manufacturer and drive documentation. Compressor starting torque, minimum speed, lubrication and cooling requirements can differ from centrifugal pumps and fans.
Key Optidrive Eco features
- Energy-focused control: Variable-torque control and energy-optimisation. Energy-optimised control: Designed for efficient operation of centrifugal pumps and fans. Temperature control without requiring a separate external controller for every application.
- Multi-pump control: Supports pump staging, duty rotation and standby-pump functions.
- Communications: BACnet and Modbus functions support integration with building-management systems, PLCs and plant-control networks. Confirm model, firmware and configuration before specifying communications.
- Enclosure options: IP20, IP55 and IP66/NEMA 4X versions are available, subject to the selected power rating.
- Harmonic performance: Some Eco models include features to reduce input harmonic current. Actual performance depends on model, supply system, motor loading and installation. Complete a system calculation where harmonic limits are critical.
The Eco is suited to large pumps, fans, HVAC systems and other variable-torque loads where energy optimisation and integrated pump-control functions are required.
Selecting the Correct Invertek VSD
The product families overlap in power range. Select the drive according to the application, not kilowatt rating alone.
Before specifying a drive, confirm:
- Motor nameplate current and voltage.
- Supply voltage, phase configuration and available fault level.
- Constant-torque or variable-torque duty.
- Starting torque, acceleration time and inertia.
- Required overload rating.
- IP enclosure and environmental requirements.
- Ambient temperature, altitude and ventilation.
- Motor-cable length and EMC requirements.
- Braking resistor or regenerative-braking requirements.
- Communications, PLC and safety requirements.
- Hazardous area requirements, if applicable.
A correctly selected VSD can improve process control and energy efficiency. Motor reliability also depends on correct cable installation, switching frequency, low-speed cooling, bearing-current mitigation, EMC practices, acceleration profiles and ongoing maintenance. Drive range includes control functions and application settings designed for its intended applications. These features help simplify setup and commissioning for electricians and engineers.
Optidrive E3:
- Industrial Mode
- Pump Mode
- Fan Mode
Optidrive P2:
- Sensorless vector control and simple PLC functionality for speed, torque and sequence control.
Optidrive Eco:
- Pump and fan-focused control with Optiflow, multi-pump staging and built-in PID functions for pressure, flow or temperature control.
- Understanding these control functions helps select the most suitable Invertek VSD and reduces commissioning errors. ADM Systems can provide further advice when motor, load and installation requirements need review.
Australian Supply and Technical Support
ADM Systems is an Australian supplier and distributor of Invertek Drives, with offices and warehouse locations in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, shipping variable speed drives to anywhere in Australia.
For assistance selecting an Invertek VSD, provide motor nameplate details, supply voltage, load type, required speed range, enclosure requirements and any communications or safety requirements. ADM Systems can then help identify a suitable drive and confirm the correct model, overload rating and accessories.
For any questions, send them directly via our contact page here or call the team directly on 1300 236 467.
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