Chapter 1 — Introduction: Why variable speed control with Fluxcon matters
To begin with, a variable frequency drive (also called a frequency converter or VFD) makes it possible
to convert the fixed mains frequency (for example 50 Hz) into a variable output frequency.
As a result, the speed of an electric motor can be controlled accurately.
This forms the basis of modern drive technology.
1.1 Terminology and definitions
- Drive — the complete device: power electronics, measurement circuits, I/O and user interface.
- VSD / ASD — general term for variable speed control (Variable/Adjustable Speed Drive).
- VFD / FC — specifically for AC variable frequency drives (Variable Frequency Drive / Frequency Converter).
Therefore, in this handbook we consistently use the term
Fluxcon variable frequency drive.
1.2 The purpose of speed control
Speed control offers benefits on three levels:
- Energy savings — for pumps and fans, the affinity laws apply:
P ~ n³. A 20% reduction in speed can result in nearly 50% less absorbed power. - Process quality — more stable pressure, flow or speed leads to consistent product quality.
- Automation — Fluxcon drives integrate easily with PLC and SCADA systems.
- Mechanical relief — soft starting and controlled stopping reduce vibration and wear.
1.3 Basic physical principles
The core of frequency control is controlling the rotating magnetic field in the motor:
- Synchronous speed:
ns = (60 · f) / p
where f = frequency (Hz) and p = number of pole pairs. - Actual speed:
nr = ns · (1 – g)
where g is the slip (2–6% for induction motors in mains operation). - Torque is created by the interaction between the stator field and rotor current:
T ~ Φ · I2.
1.4 How Fluxcon variable frequency drives work
Specifically, a drive consists of three parts:
- A rectifier (AC → DC)
- A DC bus with capacitors and chokes
- An inverter (DC → AC) that uses PWM technology to deliver variable voltage and frequency
With PWM, the semiconductors (IGBT/MOSFET) are switched at high frequency to create a simulated sine wave.
EMC filters limit emissions.
Fluxcon drives offer both open-loop (sensorless) and closed-loop (with encoder) control.
1.5 Applications and benefits
Fluxcon drives are used across a wide range of sectors:
- HVAC installations — fans and pumps with highly variable loads
- Water supply — pressure-controlled pumping systems
- Conveyor belts — constant torque at variable speed
- Hoisting and crane systems — four-quadrant operation with regeneration
1.6 Systems thinking and energy management
Moreover, what matters is not only the choice of motor and drive,
but above all the optimization of the entire system:
- Component selection — high-efficiency motors (IE3/IE4) and efficient Fluxcon drives (approx. 10% savings potential).
- Variable speed control — in practice delivers about 30% energy savings.
- System optimization — PID tuning, sizing and process adjustments can provide up to 60% additional savings.
In conclusion: Fluxcon technology is the key to improving energy efficiency, reliability and process quality alike.
Chapter 2 — Electric motors: basics, types and applications
To begin with, the electric motor forms the heart of almost every drive system.
It converts electrical energy into mechanical work through the interaction of magnetic fields and electric currents.
In combination with Fluxcon variable frequency drives, this process is optimally controlled.
2.1 Fundamental principles
- Magnetic field — A current through a conductor generates a magnetic field.
In a motor, stator and rotor current fields interact to produce torque. - Induction — In an asynchronous motor, voltage is induced in the rotor by the rotating stator field.
- Motor law — Torque is proportional to the product of magnetic flux, current and conductor length:
F = B · I · L.
2.2 Construction of a three-phase motor
- Stator — laminated iron core with copper windings in slots.
- Rotor — squirrel-cage type (short-circuited bars) or slip-ring type (with wound rotor and external resistors).
- Fan and housing — for cooling; designated by IP protection class (e.g. IP55, IP67).
- Bearings — to allow the rotor shaft to rotate smoothly, often with lifetime or lubrication interval specifications.
2.3 Types of electric motors
2.3.1 Asynchronous motor (induction motor)
In addition, this is the most widely used motor type worldwide. Robust, low-maintenance and relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages are slip and high starting current (up to 8 × rated current for squirrel-cage motors).
Synchronous speed: ns = (60 · f) / p
Actual speed: nr = ns · (1 – g),
where g = slip (2–6% in mains operation, significantly lower with Fluxcon drives).
2.3.2 Synchronous motor
This motor type rotates exactly in sync with the magnetic field, regardless of load.
Advantages are high efficiency and constant speed.
Disadvantage: it cannot self-start, often requiring a separate drive or Fluxcon soft start.
2.3.3 Permanent magnet motor (PM, BLDC, EC)
For example: BLDC and EC motors are highly efficient and compact.
Permanent magnets in the rotor ensure high efficiency and precise control, especially in combination with Fluxcon drives.
2.3.4 Reluctance motor (SynRM, PMaSynRM)
These motors operate on the basis of magnetic reluctance rather than Lorentz forces.
They are cost-effective, low-maintenance and deliver high efficiency, especially at high power density.
2.4 Torque curves and load types
Moreover, the behavior of motors differs depending on the load:
- Quadratic torque — fans and pumps, where power rises with the third power of speed.
- Constant torque — conveyor belts and mixers, independent of speed.
- Constant power — winding and unwinding applications, where torque decreases as speed increases.
2.5 Starting methods and control strategies
Traditionally, various starting methods have been used, such as star-delta switching or soft starters.
However, Fluxcon variable frequency drives offer a much better solution:
- Soft starting and controlled braking
- Lower starting currents (limited impact on the grid)
- Slip compensation for accurate speed control
- Integration with safety and EMC provisions
2.6 Practical examples
- A squirrel-cage motor with a Fluxcon drive in a fan: 30% energy savings through variable speed control.
- A synchronous motor in a compressor: constant speed for process reliability.
- A PM motor in HVAC: high efficiency at partial load, compact size.
- A SynRM in an extruder: high power density and long service life without magnets.
2.7 Conclusion
In conclusion: Electric motors are the core of drive systems.
By selecting the right motor in combination with a Fluxcon variable frequency drive,
reliability, energy efficiency and service life are significantly improved.
This makes Fluxcon technology an indispensable link in modern industries.
Chapter 3 — Variable frequency drives: topology, functions and practice
To begin with, a Fluxcon variable frequency drive converts the mains voltage
into a variable voltage and frequency. This allows the speed of an electric motor
to be controlled continuously, while maintaining torque and maximum efficiency.
3.1 Structure of a variable frequency drive
Accordingly, every modern Fluxcon drive consists of three core components:
- Rectifier — converts mains AC into DC (usually with a 6- or 12-pulse bridge, or Active Front End for regeneration).
- DC bus — contains capacitors and chokes to buffer energy and limit voltage ripple.
- Inverter — converts DC back into AC with variable voltage and frequency via PWM-controlled semiconductors (IGBTs/MOSFETs).
Optionally there is a brake chopper with braking resistor or an AFE for feeding energy back to the grid.
3.2 Operation and control principles
Fluxcon drives use various control strategies:
- V/f control (scalar): simple, robust and suitable for pumps and fans.
Torque and speed are controlled indirectly by keeping the voltage/frequency ratio constant. - Vector control (FOC): decouples flux and torque into d- and q-components.
This provides accurate control, even at low speed and dynamic loads.
Available in sensorless form or with encoder feedback. - DTC (Direct Torque Control): controls flux and torque directly without a modulator,
enabling very fast dynamics, useful in hoisting and winding applications.
3.3 Parameterization and autotuning
Specifically, Fluxcon drives are equipped with automatic parameter settings:
- Input of motor nameplate data (voltage, current, cos φ, efficiency).
- Selection of ramp rates and torque limits.
- Autotune: standstill or rotating — automatically determines motor impedance and magnetization characteristics.
3.4 Braking and regeneration
Moreover, a drive can feed energy back or dissipate it:
- Dynamic braking via braking resistor (chopper).
- Regenerative operation with AFE — feeding energy back to the grid, efficient for elevators, cranes and centrifuges.
3.5 EMC and filters
High switching frequencies create electromagnetic interference.
Fluxcon drives comply with EN 61800-3 through the use of:
- Mains filters (EMC/RFI filters) to limit conducted emissions.
- dV/dt filters or sine filters to protect motor insulation in long cable runs.
- Shielded motor cables with 360° grounding connection at both ends.
3.6 Derating and environmental influences
Therefore, it is important to take into account:
- Ambient temperature (derating required above 40 °C).
- Installation altitude (>1000 m: reduced cooling and air pressure).
- Enclosure (IP rating) and ventilation.
- Low speed: external motor fan to ensure cooling.
3.7 Protections and safety
Fluxcon drives are equipped with extensive protections:
- Electrical: overcurrent, overtemperature, DC bus over/undervoltage.
- Functional: STO (Safe Torque Off), SS1, SS2, SLS in accordance with IEC 61800-5-2.
- Mechanical: monitoring of speed, brake circuits and overspeed.
3.8 Application profiles
| Application | Load profile | Control strategy | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan | Quadratic torque | V/f or FOC | P ~ n³; energy savings through speed reduction |
| Pump | Quadratic torque | V/f or FOC with PID | Optimal pressure control, cavitation limitation |
| Conveyor belt | Constant torque | Vector control | Start/stop management, braking strategies |
| Hoist/Winder | High dynamics | FOC + encoder, or DTC | Four-quadrant operation, regeneration to grid |
3.9 Conclusion
In conclusion: Fluxcon variable frequency drives offer the optimal balance between
accuracy, efficiency and robustness.
They can be applied from simple fan control to complex hoisting installations
and form the core of modern industrial drive technology.
Chapter 4 — Variable speed & process control
To begin with, variable speed is the key to more efficient and more reliable processes.
Where throttle valves and bypasses were previously used to control flow or pressure,
a Fluxcon variable frequency drive directly adjusts motor speed.
This lowers energy consumption and increases process quality.
4.1 Load characteristics
In addition, insight into the type of load is essential for selecting the right control method:
- Quadratic torque — fans and centrifugal pumps.
Here:P ~ n³. A small speed reduction yields major energy savings. - Constant torque — conveyor belts, extruders, compressors.
Power increases linearly with speed. - Constant power — winding and unwinding applications.
Torque decreases as speed increases, so absorbed power remains constant.
4.2 Affinity laws
The so-called fan laws describe the relationship between speed and system parameters:
- Flow (Q) ~ n
- Head (H) ~ n²
- Power (P) ~ n³
For example: with a speed reduction to 80%, the power drops to approx. 51% of the original value.
4.3 PID control in the drive
Fluxcon drives are equipped with internal PID controllers that can directly control process variables such as pressure, flow or temperature.
- Pressure sensor → PID in the drive → pump speed adjustment.
- Temperature sensor → PID → fan speed modulation.
Therefore, external control valves and bypasses often become unnecessary, saving energy and maintenance.
4.4 Field weakening and overspeed
Specifically at frequencies above the motor specification (fN):
- Up to
fN: constant V/f ratio → rated torque. - Above
fN: field weakening → torque decreases ~ 1/f, power remains constant.
Mechanical limits (bearing load, critical speeds, balancing) must be taken into account.
Fluxcon drives offer maximum speed limitation (nmax).
4.5 Stopping and braking strategies
Moreover, there are several methods to stop a motor in a controlled way:
- Natural coast-down — the motor stops due to friction and resistance, without energy dissipation.
- Dynamic braking — via brake chopper and resistor, excess energy converted into heat.
- Regenerative braking — with Active Front End, energy fed back to the grid.
- Safety functions — SS1, SS2, STO (Safe Torque Off) according to IEC 61800-5-2.
4.6 Practical examples
- HVAC fan — PID control based on pressure: speed varies automatically with air demand, energy savings >40%.
- Water supply pump — PID on pressure: prevents cavitation, extends service life, energy reduction ~30%.
- Conveyor belt — constant torque: soft start/stop prevents shock loading and mechanical damage.
- Winding application — constant power: Fluxcon drive keeps line tension constant with varying diameter.
4.7 Conclusion
In conclusion: Variable speed control with Fluxcon drives enables energy-efficient,
flexible and reliable process control.
Through insight into load characteristics, affinity laws and field weakening, speed can be optimally matched,
resulting in lower costs, longer installation life and higher process quality.
Chapter 5 — Saving energy with Fluxcon drives
To begin with, electric motors are responsible for more than 60% of industrial electricity consumption.
Variable speed control via Fluxcon variable frequency drives delivers the greatest gains in efficiency and sustainability here.
5.1 Traditional control methods
Previously, processes were often controlled with valves, throttles or mechanical transmissions:
- In pumps, flow was restricted with throttling valves → energy loss through pressure drop.
- In fans, airflow was controlled with dampers or bypasses → the motor runs at full power, excess energy is lost.
- In compressors, output was controlled by unloaded running or unloading valves → unnecessary energy consumption.
5.2 Savings potential with variable speed
In addition, Fluxcon drives deliver significant energy savings:
- Fans and pumps — up to 50% energy savings thanks to the affinity laws (
P ~ n³). - Compressors — demand-driven control prevents unloaded running and reduces consumption by 20–35%.
- HVAC systems — adaptive control of air and water flows saves 30–40% and extends service life.
5.3 Calculation example
For example: a 15 kW fan normally runs 24/7 at full speed.
- Full speed (100% n): 15 kW × 8000 h = 120,000 kWh/year.
- With Fluxcon drive, average 80% n: 0.8³ × 15 kW = 7.7 kW.
- Consumption: 7.7 kW × 8000 h = 61,600 kWh/year.
- Savings: 58,400 kWh/year (~49%).
5.4 Power factor and grid quality
Moreover, Fluxcon drives improve the power factor (cos φ):
- Induction motor without control: cos φ drops significantly at partial load.
- With Fluxcon drive: cos φ remains close to 1, thanks to active voltage and current control.
This helps avoid energy surcharges and reduces grid loading.
5.5 Maintenance and service life
In addition to direct energy gains, Fluxcon drives extend the service life of installations:
- Soft start → less mechanical stress on bearings, couplings and gears.
- Lower speeds at partial load → less wear and lower operating temperatures.
- Integrated monitoring → early detection of imbalance or overload.
5.6 Sustainability and CO₂ reduction
Therefore, Fluxcon drives directly contribute to sustainability:
- Lower energy consumption → less CO₂ emissions.
- Smaller ecological footprint due to longer motor and machine life.
- Short payback period (1–3 years) makes investments economically attractive.
5.7 Practical cases
- Water utility: 35% reduction in energy consumption through PID control with Fluxcon drives in pump groups.
- Manufacturing plant: fans equipped with Fluxcon drives → annual savings of 500 MWh.
- HVAC installation in an office building: adaptive control → 40% less energy and improved comfort.
5.8 Conclusion
In conclusion: Saving energy with Fluxcon drives is not a side issue, but a strategic necessity.
By implementing variable speed control, substantial savings are achieved in cost, energy and CO₂,
while the reliability and service life of installations increase.
Chapter 6 — EMC & Power Quality
To begin with, variable frequency drives inevitably cause disturbances in the electrical grid
due to their switching frequencies and non-linear behavior.
This includes electromagnetic interference (EMI), harmonic distortion and voltage ripple.
Therefore, EMC measures and power quality monitoring are crucial.
6.1 EMC principles
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) means that equipment does not disturb its environment
and is itself immune to external disturbances.
- Emission — the extent to which a device radiates electromagnetic energy.
- Immunity — the resistance of the device to external electromagnetic influences.
6.2 Standards and guidelines
- EN 61800-3 — specific EMC standard for variable frequency drives.
- IEC 61000 series — international standards for electromagnetic compatibility.
- IEEE 519 — limit values for harmonic distortion in networks.
Therefore, Fluxcon supplies its drives in different EMC categories (for example C1 for domestic applications, C2/C3 for industrial use).
6.3 Sources of emission
- Switching spikes from IGBT/MOSFET inverters → produce high frequencies up to several MHz.
- Capacitive coupling between cables → can cause interference in signal lines.
- Harmonics from rectifiers → cause additional currents and distortion of the mains voltage.
6.4 Measures against EMI
Moreover, Fluxcon recommends a combination of the following measures:
- EMC filters on the mains side to limit conducted emissions.
- Shielded motor cables with 360° earth connection at both ends.
- dV/dt filters or sine filters for long cable lengths, to protect motor insulation.
- Grounding strategy according to star-point or TN-S system, with low impedance and short connections.
6.5 Harmonics and power quality
In addition, variable frequency drives affect power quality through harmonic currents:
- 3rd, 5th and 7th harmonics are the most common.
- Effects: additional heating in cables, transformers and motors; risk of resonance; disturbances in sensitive equipment.
- IEEE 519 specifies Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): THDi < 5% in critical installations.
6.6 Harmonic mitigation
Fluxcon offers various techniques to limit harmonic distortion:
- DC chokes and line reactors — reduce current peaks and harmonics.
- 12- or 18-pulse rectifiers — lower dominant harmonics.
- Active Front-End (AFE) — draws nearly sinusoidal currents and provides low THDi.
- Passive and active filters — for existing installations where replacement is not possible.
6.7 Practical example
For example: in a factory with several large motors, conventional drives caused
a THDi of >12%. After applying Fluxcon AFE drives, this dropped to 3.5%, within IEEE 519 limits.
The result: lower transformer losses, more stable voltage and fewer PLC failures.
6.8 Conclusion
In conclusion: EMC and power quality are critical success factors when using variable frequency drives.
With the right filters, cabling techniques and Fluxcon drive technology, installations remain reliable,
energy-efficient and compliant with international standards.
Chapter 7 — Safety in drive systems
To begin with, safety is an integral part of every drive system.
Fluxcon variable frequency drives are equipped with both electrical and functional
safety provisions that comply with international standards.
7.1 Electrical protection
- Overcurrent protection — protection of motor and cables against thermal overload.
- Overvoltage/undervoltage — monitoring of the DC bus and mains voltage.
- Overtemperature — monitoring of semiconductors, capacitors and heatsinks.
- Earth leakage monitoring — possibility to apply type B or B-HF residual current devices.
7.2 Functional safety
In addition, modern Fluxcon drives are equipped with integrated safety functions according to IEC 61800-5-2:
- STO (Safe Torque Off) — immediate shutdown of motor current, the motor can no longer produce torque.
- SS1 (Safe Stop 1) — controlled braking to a standstill, then STO.
- SS2 (Safe Stop 2) — controlled stopping after which a safe standstill is maintained.
- SLS (Safely Limited Speed) — the motor may not exceed a safe speed.
- SBC (Safe Brake Control) — safe control of motor brakes.
7.3 Safety levels
Specifically, different safety standards apply to the assessment of drive systems:
- SIL (Safety Integrity Level) according to IEC 61508.
- PL (Performance Level) according to ISO 13849-1.
- Fluxcon drives are available in variants compliant up to SIL 3 / PL e.
7.4 Risk analysis and integration
Moreover, safety functions must always be part of a system risk analysis (Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC).
Important aspects are:
- Analyzing possible hazards (mechanical, electrical, thermal).
- Determining the necessary safety functions.
- Integrating Fluxcon drives with safety PLCs and sensors.
7.5 Practical examples
- Hoisting installations — application of STO and SLS prevents overspeed and uncontrolled motion.
- Conveyor belts — use of SS1 ensures controlled stopping during an emergency stop.
- Extruders — integration with a safety PLC for rapid shutdown and access protection.
7.6 Maintenance and safety
Therefore, it is important to guarantee safe conditions even during maintenance:
- Use of lock-out/tag-out procedures (LOTO).
- Safe de-energization and locking.
- Testing STO circuits during commissioning and periodic maintenance.
7.7 Conclusion
In conclusion: Safety is a prerequisite in every industrial drive system.
By using integrated safety functions in Fluxcon drives,
combined with a thorough risk analysis and correct integration, people and machines are optimally protected.
Chapter 8 — Interfaces & Communication
To begin with, nowadays a variable frequency drive is more than just a power electronic device.
It is a communicating node within a larger automation system.
Fluxcon drives are therefore equipped with a wide range of interfaces and protocols.
8.1 Local operation
- Control panel (LCP) — equipped with display and keys for parameter settings and monitoring.
- Digital inputs — start/stop, rotation direction, preset speed selection.
- Analog inputs — 0–10 V, 4–20 mA for external references (e.g. pressure, speed).
- Analog outputs — for feedback to external equipment (speed, torque, current).
- Digital outputs / relays — status indications (running, fault, ready).
8.2 Serial communication
In addition, Fluxcon drives support a range of standard industrial protocols:
- RS-485 / Modbus RTU — simple, robust and widely supported serial interface.
- CANopen — real-time communication in decentralized systems.
8.3 Industrial Ethernet protocols
Moreover, most modern Fluxcon drives are equipped with Ethernet interfaces
for high speed and integration with PLC/SCADA systems:
- EtherNet/IP — widely used in North America, easy to integrate with Rockwell environments.
- PROFINET — Siemens ecosystem, real-time control and diagnostic capabilities.
- EtherCAT — very fast cycle times, ideal for motion control and synchronized drives.
- Modbus TCP — open standard, widely supported and easy to configure.
8.4 Advanced integration
Specifically, Fluxcon drives offer functions that enable direct connection to process control:
- Built-in PLC functionality — simple logic directly in the drive, reducing the need for external hardware.
- Web server — via built-in Ethernet port, configuration and monitoring via browser.
- Data transparency — real-time status information to higher-level systems (speed, torque, energy consumption).
- Condition Monitoring — monitoring motor parameters and predicting maintenance moments.
8.5 Cybersecurity
Therefore, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important in drive technology as well:
- Support for encrypted protocols (TLS/SSL on web servers).
- User management and layered access rights.
- Segmentation of networks (separation of OT/IT).
- Regular firmware updates and patches by Fluxcon.
8.6 Practical examples
- Water supply — multiple pumps in master-slave operation via Modbus RTU.
- HVAC system — integration with building management system via BACnet/IP.
- Production line — synchronized conveyor belts with EtherCAT for precise positioning.
- Crane installation — PROFINET integration with safety PLC and visualization.
8.7 Conclusion
In conclusion: Communication is a core function of modern drive systems.
Fluxcon drives provide extensive local I/O, serial interfaces and industrial Ethernet protocols,
complemented by web servers and condition monitoring.
This makes them flexibly deployable in a wide range of industrial automation environments.
Chapter 9 — Sizing & Selection of Fluxcon drives
To begin with, correct sizing is essential for a reliable and efficient drive.
A drive that is too small leads to overload and failure; a drive that is too large means unnecessary cost.
Fluxcon provides clear guidelines and tools for correct selection.
9.1 Basic selection data
Accordingly, the following motor and application data are required:
- Rated power (kW / hp).
- Rated voltage and current (UN, IN).
- Rated speed and frequency.
- Cos φ and motor efficiency.
- Load torque curve (quadratic, constant, constant power).
- Duty profile (intermittent, continuous, cyclic).
9.2 Thermal considerations
Sizing must take thermal limits into account:
- Motor insulation class (B, F, H).
- Maximum allowable winding temperature.
- Motor cooling type (IC411, IC416, etc.).
- Long cables → additional heat losses due to capacitive currents.
Moreover, Fluxcon drives provide thermal motor monitoring (I²t monitoring) and can connect PT100/NTC sensors directly.
9.3 Environmental influences
In addition, environmental conditions play a major role in sizing:
- Ambient temperature — derating above 40 °C.
- Installation altitude — derating above 1000 m due to lower air density.
- Protection degree — IP20 for control cabinets, IP55/IP66 for decentralized mounting.
- Environmental factors — dust, moisture, corrosive gases, vibration.
9.4 Mains voltage variations
- Rated voltage (e.g. 400 V ±10%).
- Under/overvoltage can lead to fault messages or overheating.
- Fluxcon offers variants for 230 V, 400 V, 690 V and special voltage levels.
9.5 Oversizing and safety margins
However, a certain margin is often necessary:
- For heavy starting duty (high inertia, high friction forces).
- For cyclic operation with peak loads.
- For long cable lengths or high ambient temperatures.
Guideline: choose a drive 10–20% above the rated motor power for heavy-duty applications.
9.6 Selection tools
Fluxcon supports engineers with online tools and software:
- Automatic selection based on motor nameplate data.
- Advice for EMC and harmonic filters.
- Verification of cable cross-sections and protections according to IEC and NEN standards.
9.7 Practical examples
- Fan: 11 kW motor, quadratic torque → selection of an 11 kW Fluxcon drive, no standard derating required.
- Pump station: 22 kW motor, 45 °C ambient → selection of a 30 kW Fluxcon drive due to temperature derating.
- Hoisting installation: 55 kW motor, high dynamics → selection of a 75 kW Fluxcon drive with encoder feedback.
9.8 Conclusion
In conclusion: Correct sizing and selection of Fluxcon variable frequency drives is a combination
of motor, mains and environmental factors. By taking thermal conditions, harmonics and duty profiles into account,
reliability, service life and energy efficiency are significantly improved.
Chapter 10 — Practical cases & Summary
To begin with, practical applications best show what Fluxcon drives mean for industry.
They combine energy savings, process optimization and increased reliability.
In this chapter we discuss several concrete examples and conclude with a summary.
10.1 HVAC applications
For example: in a large office building, the HVAC system was equipped with Fluxcon drives:
- Fans operate at variable speed depending on CO₂ and temperature sensors.
- Energy savings of 40% compared to damper control.
- Lower noise emissions due to lower speeds.
- Improved comfort for users through more stable temperature and air quality.
10.2 Water supply
In addition, Fluxcon drives were applied in a regional pumping station:
- Pressure control via internal PID → constant pressure in the network, regardless of demand fluctuations.
- 30% energy savings by avoiding bypass valves.
- Less water hammer due to soft start/stop of pumps.
- Higher reliability and less mechanical wear.
10.3 Production & transport
Moreover, Fluxcon drives have been widely applied in the manufacturing industry:
- Conveyor belts with vector control → stable speed under varying loads.
- Extruders with constant torque → accurate mixing quality and reduced downtime.
- Winding applications → constant power at varying diameters, controlled web tension.
10.4 Hoisting and crane systems
Specifically, in hoisting installations Fluxcon drives make an important contribution:
- Four-quadrant operation with regeneration → energy returned to the grid during lowering loads.
- Integrated safety functions (STO, SLS) → increased safety for operators.
- Precision positioning with encoder feedback → accurate lifting and positioning.
10.5 Summary
In conclusion: Fluxcon variable frequency drives provide measurable benefits across a wide range of sectors:
- Energy efficiency — savings of up to 50% for fans and pumps.
- Reliability — longer service life due to reduced mechanical loading and integrated monitoring.
- Process quality — stable control loop, precise speed and torque control.
- Safety — integrated functions according to IEC 61800-5-2.
- Sustainability — direct reduction in CO₂ emissions through lower energy consumption.
10.6 Final conclusion
Fluxcon drives are much more than motor controllers.
They are the key to sustainable, safe and flexible drive systems.
Through their combination of power electronics, control engineering, communication and safety,
they are indispensable in modern industry and building technology.
In short: Fluxcon stands for quality, efficiency and innovation in drive technology.