Variable Frequency Drives Market Size

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Market Analysis

The Variable Frequency Drives Market size is estimated at USD 26.64 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 34.04 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.02% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The variable frequency drives used to monitor the speed of motors have gained considerable traction due to their power to optimize energy usage in various industries. Apart from energy efficiency, the popularity of VFDs can also be attributed to their capacity to improve motor life and reduce maintenance by allowing distributed use across the life cycle, relieving it from constant use under the same parameters.

• The market is characterized by various government directives focusing on making the industrial sector more energy efficient. The HVAC systems, especially chillers, a key deployer of VFD, are increasingly scrutinized by government bodies for their eco-friendliness. They have been regularized with time to comply with the updated policies.
• Rapid industrialization in emerging economies like China, Japan, India, Brazil, and South Korea has boosted innovations and the adoption of efficient industrial equipment. For instance, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in 2021, China's industrial production increased by about 9.6% compared to the previous year. China aims to achieve an automobile output of up to 35 million units by 2025, from 22.3 million units in 2018. With the recent tax incentives and the 'Made in China 2025' initiative, manufacturing units in the country are expected to increase rapidly. This provides several opportunities for the AMH equipment market in the country.
• Energy efficiency has been of key focus for federal regulators and industry organizations. According to the International Energy Agency, electric motors consume 40% of the energy used in power industries. When these motors are deployed with VFDs in centrifugal load service, their efficiency increases. Due to the technological improvements in power electronics technology, the performance of VFDs is expected to improve, helping conserve energy.
• The addition of VFDs in existing motors gives rise to several technical problems, which have created a barrier to adoption among numerous players in various industries. After integrating the drive with an existing motor, the speed of the motor shaft reduces, causing decreased cooling from the shaft-driven fan. The rotors in the VFD motors are very sensitive and can get damaged by frequent spinning, which occurs because of aggressive dynamic braking. When the rotors are stopped this way, the thermal expansion of the rotor produces a force that pulls the rotor shaft away from the stator, leading to bearing failure. This usually occurs when the VSD is not adequately cooled.
• During the pandemic, the power sector received less traction with the shutting down of offices and the complete halt of activities in the industrial sector. With the reopening of the industries and offices in the post-COVID-19 period, the industry is anticipated to witness increasing demand for energy-efficient devices, creating an ancillary demand for VFDs. The energy and power sector has been exposed to several new regulations post the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for contingency plans to save energy to move toward a sustainable future. These directives are expected to propel the growth of the market over the forecast period.