The VSDs, available in ratings from 3kW up to several megawatts, can be hired to keep processes running, to test new applications, or to measure energy savings before buying a drive. The service operates 24 hours a day, all year round, and the drives can be delivered the same day, and installed and commissioned within hours by any of 12 ABB authorised value providers.
Customers can choose from a variety of drives, including general-purpose, machinery and industrial types. All are maintained and come with the latest firmware. They are hired at a fixed daily rate (minimum hire periods may apply), including installation and maintenance for the duration of the hire.
ABB suggests four scenarios where users might want to hire VSDs:
Emergencies or unexpected failures Hiring a drive can be a quick, low-cost way of keeping critical processes running when there is a breakdown. It reduces downtime costs, while giving time to repair the failed equipment or to source and allocate capital for a permanent replacement.
Temporary capacity Hire drives can be used for short-term, semi-permanent or seasonal applications, allowing users to ramp process capacities up or down, while eliminating storage and maintenance costs.
Energy saving assessments If a variable-speed application has not previously used a drive, or if an existing drive is due for an upgrade, hiring can be a low-cost way to assess potential energy savings in a particular application before making a purchase.
Equipment testing Test houses may need to test variable-speed applications, but may not own a suitable drive. Hiring a drive can allow them to perform tests at short notice and low cost.