Engineering Selection for a Variable Speed Drive; Steam Turbine Drive or Electric Motor with VFD

Abstract

This paper presents estimated equipment operating costs and energy consumption to compare a steam turbine drive and a VFD electric motor drive for two different drive systems. The author presented data and conclusions from an actual project that was engineered and installed several years ago. The author also presents data and make statements on several similar applications that are now being, or were recently, under investigation. It is expected that this paper presents facts of energy savings for the VFD option