Anglian Water was facing challenges with their inlet screws, which consumed between 4,000 and 5,500 kWh per day due to reliability issues. These screws were manually operated to mitigate these issues, leading to higher energy consumption. Each screw operated continuously, using soft starters for 24 hours a day. Project Initiation Anglian Water approached IDS to explore the benefits of altering the control strategy for these inlet screws. The goals were to reduce startup current and torque, minimise energy consumption, ensure a return on investment, decrease the number of revolutions and stops ..read more

In a leap towards integrating top-tier energy efficiency with enhanced safety, ABB has introduced its IE5 SynRM (Synchronous Reluctance Motor) Increased Safety motors. This innovation marks ABB as the world’s first manufacturer to blend IE5 ultra-premium efficiency with heightened safety features, designed specifically for hazardous areas. This article explores how these motors offer not only significant energy savings and reduced emissions but also assure safety and reliability across various industries. Combining Efficiency and Safety ABB’s IE5 SynRM Increased Safety motors amalgamate two of ..read more

As we celebrate a quarter of a century in business, there has never been a better excuse to appreciate just how far we have come. In this commemorative article we look back at how IDS started, our notable achievements and celebrate the people that have made it all possible. 1924 – Blaise’s grandfather, Arthur Ford set up a business to connect Nottinghamshire villages to the new grid. He met a man called Wilson who had the Butlin’s dodgem car motor repair contract – they set up Wilson Ford Ltd. 1991 – Blaise took over the management of Wilson Ford. Throughout the 90s the Wilson Ford Group ..read more

As a part of our 25th Workversary celebrations, Inverter Drive Systems (IDS) are hosting a pair of Technology, Sustainability and Innovation Days on the 3rd and 4th of July at the ABB Motion Coalville engineering facility. These events promise to showcase the strides IDS has made in the industry over the last 25 years, showcasing the sustainability and technological advancements and how our own innovative use of ABB technology has been successfully applied throughout various industries. The Water event on 3rd of July is an invitation only day, dedicated to our valued Water clients, watch out f ..read more

Fostering Community and Team Spirit At Inverter Drive Systems (IDS), we believe in the power of community and the significant role sports play in fostering teamwork, discipline and a healthy competitive spirit. That’s why we are thrilled to be sponsoring the Keyworth U7 Reds, a vibrant and promising young football team based in Nottinghamshire. The Keyworth U7 Reds are making their debut in the YEL East Midlands Saturday League this season and the enthusiasm and dedication they bring to the field are nothing short of inspiring. Under the guidance and coaching of Matt Handley, our Operations Di ..read more

At IDS, we believe in taking actionable steps towards combating climate change and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. It’s with great pride that we share our latest news in this ongoing journey – a modest contribution to the reforestation and marine life regeneration efforts spearheaded by JustOne Tree. Planting Hope, One Tree at a Time Our recent donation to JustOne Tree has facilitated the planting of an additional 170 trees, bringing the total count of our forest to an impressive 715 trees. This initiative is more than just about numbers; it’s about making a tangible impact ..read more

As our world accelerates towards a more sustainable future, the significance of variable speed drives (VSDs) in our journey to net zero cannot be overstated. Currently, electric motors are the powerhouse behind over 45% of global electricity consumption. By 2040, their numbers are projected to double, placing energy efficiency at the forefront of the global agenda. Contents: The Net Zero Challenge The Role of Energy Efficiency Industry’s Inefficiency The Efficiency of VSDs: Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Operations Load Profiles and Energy Savings: The Impact of VSDs Success Story: The ..read more

In an age where energy efficiency and cost reduction are paramount, businesses are increasingly seeking innovative ways to curtail energy consumption. A significant yet often overlooked strategy is the adoption of variable speed drives (VSDs) in motor operations. This article delves into the benefits of running a motor slower for longer, with the help of Variable Speed Drives. Reduced Energy Consumption Operating motors at slower speeds for longer periods is a straightforward yet effective method to conserve energy. When a motor runs at a lower speed, it naturally consumes less power. For inst ..read more

Like all tasks, the process of backing up an ABB Variable Speed Drive is a straightforward process, when you know how. In this video, IDS General Manager, Matt Handley, talks us through how to back up an ABB drive. In case you can’t listen to the video, or you prefer to follow a written guide, we have transcribed the video contents below: Backing Up An ABB Variable Speed Drive Using our demo rig, IDS General Manager, Matt Handley, talks us through how to back up an ABB Variable Speed Drive. Our demo rig has an ABB ACS480 variable speed drive and this is what Matt will be using to show us how ..read more

Variable speed drives are synonymous with energy saving (click here if you need a reminder how drives save energy), but did you know there is an additional function within ABB Drives that will give you energy savings without reducing power? Watch this video from IDS’ Blaise Ford to find out how to activate the ABB Energy Optimiser (also known as Flux Optimisation) and how much energy this function saves, all without a drop in power! Don’t worry, if you can’t listen to the video right now, we have also included a handy transcribe below: ABB Energy Optimiser IDS’ MD Blaise Ford demonstrates the ..read more