The LV VSD addressed a long-standing
limitation of the traditional squirrel-cage induction motor, which had remained fixed- speed since its invention by Nikola Tesla in 1888. Prior to the introduction of VSDs, adjusting motor performance for variable loads typically relied on mechanical throttling methods, such as dampers or valves – solutions that did little in terms of energy efficiency. “For 50 years, ABB’s low voltage drives have been a part of many era-defining technologies and breakthroughs, from electric public transport to today’s push for energy-efficient, low-carbon
industries. Before the VSD, getting a fixed-speed motor to deliver the right output was like driving your car with your foot all the way down on the accelerator, and braking at the same time to control your speed,” explains Tuomo Hoysniemi, president of Drive Products at ABB. “Commercially, this is an incredibly expensive
problem, but in terms of energy efficiency, it’s even worse. With a Variable Speed Drive, you can be precise about output, dramatically improving industrial energy efficiency. Low voltage VSDs were a major breakthrough. They have since become the gold standard and have seen wider and faster adoption, but still to this day, less than 25% of industrial motors worldwide are connected with a drive.” The first commercial LV VSDs were developed in the early 1970s by Strömberg. In 1975, the company launched the SAMI A (Strömberg
Asynchronous Motor Inverter), the first low voltage drive capable of precisely regulating the speed of an AC induction motor. The first real-world installation of this took place later that year at the Karihaara sawmill in northern Finland, using three 350 kVA/500 V units. This demonstrated that variable speed control could offer measurable efficiency and reliability benefits in an industrial environment. Independent studies suggest that if VSDs
were applied more broadly, including both constant and variable flow applications like pumps, fans and compressors, annual energy consumption in the EU could be reduced by around 140 terawatt-hours. ABB estimates that using VSDs in these scenarios can lead to energy savings of up to 12% per installation.
55% say they were not confident discussing engineering careers, with 23% ‘not at all confident’. When looking at the gender of parents, dads are much more confident about giving STEM careers advice than mums. While 42% of parents say they know a lot about university degrees as an
educational route, just 20% said the same for apprenticeships, 15% for other vocational qualification, 12% for BTECs, and just 5% for T levels. Despite the appeal of a STEM career, over a quarter (27%) of parents think their child would be unlikely to achieve a career in engineering, even if they wanted to follow this path. Again, this suggests a lack of awareness of the different starting levels and entry routes available.
6 Becca Gooch, head of research at EngineeringUK, said: “It’s encouraging
that parents recognise engineering and tech provide great career opportunities for young people, particularly as demand for these roles is growing in the UK. But the findings also highlight that we need to ensure parents are empowered to support their child to discover the variety of interesting and rewarding jobs and entry routes available.” Jo Hollingdale, senior careers inspiration manager at EngineeringUK, added: “With so much growth and endless opportunities to make a real-world impact, it’s a really exciting time for all young people to embark on a career in engineering and technology. From climate change and digital transformation, to healthcare and aerospace, there really is a role for everyone.”
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