As data centres grapple with the challenges of escalating energy demands, variable frequency drives (VFDs) have emerged as a critical technology enabling significant reductions in power consumption while maintaining optimal operational performance.
Industry leader Invertek Drives USA will showcase its innovative Optidrive VFD solutions addressing these challenges at Data Center World (April 14-17, 2025) this month, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.
With cooling and ventilation systems accounting for up to 40% of a typical data centre's energy usage, Invertek's advanced VFD technology offers data centers operators a proven way to substantial efficiency improvements across HVAC-R systems and pumping applications.
"Variable frequency drives are no longer optional components in data center design – they're fundamental to achieving energy efficiency targets and ensuring operational reliability," said Wayne Morris, Vice President of Invertek Drives USA.
"Our Optidrive range has been specifically engineered to deliver precise control and substantial energy savings in the demanding environment of data centres, where cooling and ventilation systems must operate flawlessly 24/7."
The company's presence at Data Center World comes as the industry faces mounting challenges with power consumption, thermal management, and sustainability requirements. Invertek's VFDs are crucial in addressing these challenges by providing accurate speed control for fans, pumps, and compressors within HVAC-R systems – often reducing energy consumption by up to 50% compared to fixed-speed alternatives.
Pete Roberts, National Sales Manager at Invertek Drives USA, emphasised the importance of VFDs in both new and retrofitted systems: "The beauty of our Optidrive solutions is their versatility. Whether designing a new state-of-the-art facility or upgrading existing infrastructure, our VFDs can be integrated seamlessly to deliver immediate and long-term benefits. Many data centre operators are discovering that the return on investment for VFD installation can be measured in months rather than years."
Invertek's Optidrive portfolio includes solutions specifically designed for HVAC applications. These solutions feature built-in BACnet MS/TP and Modbus RTU protocols for straightforward integration with building management systems. Additionally, the company offers VFDs optimised for demanding pump applications, ensuring consistent water flow for cooling systems while minimising energy usage.
"Beyond the energy savings, our customers value the enhanced control capabilities our drives provide," added Wayne. "The ability to fine-tune ventilation based on actual demand rather than running systems at full capacity continuously not only saves energy but extends equipment life and reduces maintenance requirements – all critical factors in the total cost of ownership equation for data center operators."
Visitors to Invertek's stand at Data Center World will have the opportunity to see demonstrations of the company's latest VFD technologies and discuss specific application requirements with Invertek experts.
"We're particularly excited to demonstrate how our VFDs can be retrofitted into existing systems to deliver immediate efficiency gains, as well as new centers," said Pete "In the current economic climate, data center operators are looking for solutions that can help them reduce operational costs without massive capital expenditure, and that's precisely what our retrofit options offer."
For media inquiries, please contact:
Owain Betts, PR and Communications Manager
Invertek Drives Ltd
Phone: +44 (0)1938 558 253
Mobile: +44 (0)7483 072 739
Email: Owain.Betts@shi-g.com
Website: www.invertekdrives.com
