Feature

Mastering motor control

In industrial facilities, electric motors drive everything from conveyor belts to fans and compressors. Now, with the cost of energy rising, manufacturers are trying to find new ways to reduce consumption – and motors are in the spotlight. Here, Tom Cash, Director of Foxmere, explains how manufacturers can improve motor control through the use of soft starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and DC motors.

07/01/2025 10:32:13

Though essential, electric motors are power-hungry, consuming around 50 percent of the world’s electricity, according to the European Union. Growing energy costs and the need to reduce carbon emissions are both pressing challenges for production facilities, and electric motors have the potential to make a huge difference to both.

A UK Government survey found that over six in 10 (66 percent) manufacturers have taken steps in the past five years to improve energy efficiency, including everything from cultural changes to building improvements.

Another option is to limit the speed and torque of industrial motors so that they meet the application’s demand while consuming minimal energy. This can be achieved using industrial drives, including AC drives, DC drives, servo drives, stepper drives, and soft starters.

Read the full article in DPA's January 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.