GREEN MATTERS
The case for variable speed motors in HVAC decarbonisation
Variable speed motors are emerging as one of the most eff ective – yet still underused – tools for cutting HVAC energy consumption. As the sector pushes toward lowercarbon buildings, Rob Wood of ABB explains why smarter motor control could unlock major effi ciency gains across heating and cooling systems.
"Previous generations of solutions typically comprised a separate motor and drive, which had to be mounted, wired, and confi gured on-site by a specialist. By contrast, the LV Titanium comes as a preconfi gured, factory- assembled unit fi t for immediate deployment."
F
or manufacturers and large building operators, achieving Net Zero has become a matter of time and strategy. The challenge now is how to decarbonise quickly and cost-
eff ectively across core services such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The situation is particularly acute in the UK, where a large share of non-domestic buildings still relies on older, less energy-effi cient HVAC systems. And with 40% of energy usage in UK buildings coming directly from HVAC systems, this ineffi ciency cannot be ignored. As city populations grow and urban areas become more densely packed with buildings, the demand for effi cient HVAC solutions is rising, and with it, scrutiny of how these systems are powered. At the heart of every HVAC installation are its motors – powering fans, air handling units, chillers, heat pumps, and compressors. The effi ciency of these motors and their intelligent control now play a decisive role in achieving emission and energy-reduction targets. Modern variable-speed motor solutions eff ectively overcome this limitation. By matching motor speed to real-life demand, the effi ciency of HVAC systems can be transformed. Walk into most buildings today, and chances are that the motors powering their HVAC systems are running fl at out, whether they need to or not. For decades, fi xed-speed induction motors have dominated the sector, operating at constant full speed while mechanical dampers and valves reduce the airfl ow back down to what’s actually needed. It’s the engineering equivalent of fl ooring the accelerator and pumping the brake, and it’s costing operators a fortune in wasted energy and avoidable emissions. A variable speed drive (VSD) improves system effi ciency by continuously adjusting motor speed to meet actual operating requirements, rather than running fl at-out all the time. This means the motor only draws the power it needs at any given moment. By transitioning from a fi xed-speed to variable-speed operation, the power required can be reduced by up to 50% (depending on the application and load profi le). When it comes to making that switch, there’s a knock-on
18 June 2026 •
www.acr-news.com
eff ect that’s easy to overlook: running slower also means running cooler and quieter. VSDs reduce the generation of heat and lower mechanical stress on bearings, shafts, and couplings. In turn, maintenance becomes predictable instead of reactive. Fewer parts need replacing, and unplanned failures become less frequent. What’s more, it limits the volume of new parts needed and the energy required to manufacture them. The cumulative eff ect not only lowers maintenance spend but also results in a smaller carbon footprint for the system’s lifecycle. Despite these advantages, adoption remains limited. ABB estimates that only about a quarter of motors in service are currently controlled by a VSD, and the HVAC sector is no exception. It’s not for lack of interest – a recent ABB survey found that nearly half of operators (48%) are motivated by improving performance and reliability, while 40% prioritise reducing energy use and operating costs. The hesitation lies in installation complexity, integration risks, and potential downtime.
Energy effi ciency simplifi ed Equally important for HVAC operators is the straightforward integration of the technology. Up to three times smaller than an equivalent induction motor and featuring plug-and-play functionality, the LV Titanium can be installed by one technician in just hours. Its compact and lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for installations where space and weight must be
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