Smoother machines, smaller power bills
Variable speed drives are the highest-return electrical upgrade in most plants: soft starts that stop mechanical abuse, speed control that matches process demand, and energy savings that routinely pay for the drive within a couple of years on fan and pump duties. Mobile Automation selects, installs, programs and maintains VSDs and motor control systems across Victorian industry.
What we deliver
- Drive selection and sizing — matched to motor, load and duty cycle, not just catalogue kW
- Installation and programming — including EMC-compliant cabling, harmonic considerations and parameter documentation
- Motor control upgrades — DOL and star-delta starters replaced with drives or soft starters; MCC refurbishments
- Integration — drives on your PLC/SCADA network with speed, current and fault data visible where it's useful
- Fault-finding and replacement — 24/7 response for failed drives, with common sizes available fast
Applications
Fans and pumps (the big energy wins), conveyors and material handling (controlled acceleration, less belt and chain wear), mixers, crushers and process equipment (managed starting currents and torque). If a motor runs flat-out and gets throttled by a damper or valve, a VSD is usually money on the table.
Part of a bigger toolbox
Because our engineers program PLCs and our workshop builds control cabinets, drive projects here include the whole scope: cabinet modifications, control integration, updated schematics and commissioning — one visit, one contractor, documentation included.
Frequently asked questions
Will a VSD really cut our energy costs?
On variable-torque loads like fans and pumps, dramatically — power drops with roughly the cube of speed, so running at 80% speed uses about half the energy. We'll meter the application and show you the payback before you commit.
Can you retrofit drives to our existing motors?
Usually yes — most standard induction motors accept VSD control, with cable and filter considerations we handle as part of the installation. Older motors are assessed for suitability first.
Do you service all drive brands?
We work across the major platforms (Danfoss, ABB, Siemens, Schneider, Rockwell/PowerFlex and others), and can standardise your site on a supported platform over time.
What about harmonics and compliance?
Drive installations are engineered for EMC and harmonic compliance — filtering, cable selection and segregation are part of our standard scope, not an extra.