Gambica, the trade body that represents the UK automation industry, has launched a free calculator that estimates the energy that can be saved by installing a variable speed drive. The downloadable calculator, in the form of a Microsoft Excel file, can help to decide whether a VSD will bring energy savings to an application and to estimate payback periods.

Gambica has launched the calculator on behalf of the members of its variable speed drives group. “Energy saving is currently a high priority on the British and EU agendas and VSDs are gradually being recognised as one of the most important tools for cutting energy costs,” says Gambica`s deputy director, Steve Brambley. “We hope this new tool will encourage non-technical people, particularly in purchasing departments, to embrace the technology.”