Variable Frequency Drive Market Size, Share, Growth, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global Variable Frequency Drive Market is segmented By Type (AC Drive, DC Drive, Servo Drive) By Voltage (Low Voltage, Medium Voltage, High Voltage) By Industrial Rating (Low Power, Medium Power, High Power) By Application (Pumps, Fans, Compressors) By End-User (Oil & Gas, Industrial, Others) and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Report Overview

The Global Variable Frequency Drive Market reached US$ 20.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 32.8 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Variable frequency drive are used to monitor motor speed and have gained popularity due to their ability to optimise energy usage in various industries. The success of VFDs may also be attributed to their capacity to lengthen motor life and reduce maintenance by allowing distributed use throughout the life cycle, freeing it from continuous running with the same settings. 

In accordance to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China's industrial production climbed by 9.6% in 2021 compared to the previous year. China expects to produce up to 35 million automobiles by 2025. Production facilities in the country are likely to grow substantially as a result of recent tax breaks and the 'Made in China 2025' push. It opens up various chances for the country's VFD market.

In 2022, North America is expected to be the second dominant region having about 1/4th of the global variable frequency drive market. Major players in the region are focusing on growing their business and client base through the introduction of new items and product advancements. For example, Rockwell Automation Inc. reported in October 2022 that it has raised the output frequency of its variable frequency drive utilised in high-speed motor applications.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics

Growing Penetration of Connected Devices

The growing number of connected devices in commercial, industrial and residential sectors, as well as rising demand for variable frequency drive (VFD) owing to benefits such as dynamic torque control, energy savings and adjustable speed from industries such as oil and gas, automotive and power generation, are major factors expected to drive the market in a positive trajectory. 

Furthermore, increased infrastructure development investment is resulting in high demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, necessitating solutions to improve infrastructure energy production, which is predicted to positively benefit growth. The manufacturing industry is going towards automation as a result of the global influence of Industry 4.0, IoT and smart manufacturing practises. VFDs are an excellent fit for this evolving trend. 

An Increase in Government Regulations

Metal and mining, food processing and oil and gas all require a variety of equipment for processes that differ in technology. Induction, forced draught fans, boiler feed pumps, service water pumps and conveyors employ variable frequency drives (VFDs) to give high power, precise speed control and significant energy savings. Governments throughout the world are enacting tough rules to reduce CO2 emissions and preserve energy, which is leading to the adoption of energy-efficient products. 

It also want to reach CO2 emission and energy efficiency targets in order to lessen the concentration of fossil fuel emissions and new guidelines are being implemented, which supports industry growth. For example, the Ecodesign Regulation (EU) went into force in October 2019, with the first stage taking effect in July 2021 and the second in July 2023. The regulation addressed the IE2 efficiency class, which is essential for AC drives, in the first step.

High Costs and Complexity

Variable frequency drives can have a high initial cost, especially for advanced ones with advanced features. For small enterprises with limited resources, the initial expenditure will be expensive and it acts as a barrier to VFD implementation. VFD implementation in current systems or integration with new projects will be difficult. 

It may necessitate specialised knowledge and abilities and businesses may be reticent to invest in the necessary training. The incorporation of VFDs into current motors causes a number of technical issues, which has created a barrier to acceptance among several companies in various industries. The speed of the motor shaft decreases after integrating the drive with an existing motor, resulting in less cooling from the shaft-driven fan. 

The rotors of VFD motors are extremely sensitive and can be destroyed by frequent spinning caused by strong dynamic braking. When the rotors are halted in this manner, the rotor's thermal expansion produces a force that pulls the rotor shaft away from the stator, resulting in bearing failure.

Market Segment Analysis

The global variable frequency drive market is segmented based on type, voltage, power rating, application, end-user and region.

Rise in Automation in Industrial Sector

Industrial end-user is expected to be the fastest growing segment with about 1/4th of the market during the forecast period 2023-2030. The increase of automation in the manufacturing sector has fueled market expansion. In accordance to the International Federation of Robotics, yearly industrial robot installations climbed from 382,000 in 2019 to 384,000 in 2020. 

According to IFR predictions, global usage will skyrocket, with 518,000 industrial robots operational in factories globally by 2024. With a focus on the energy-saving benefits of VFDs, several governments are collaborating with manufacturers of VFDs and associated products to install them in industries, hence driving market growth. Danfoss collaborated with the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation and the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation to provide a variety of drive options. 

Market Geographical Share

Growing Infrastructural Development Across Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the dominant region in the global variable frequency drive market covering more than 1/3rd of the market. China's emphasis on infrastructure expansion resulted in FDI in various manufacturing and industrial sectors. The Chinese government has actively supported a greater range of value-added businesses, resulting in overall industry growth, including numerous Chinese industrial sectors such as wind and solar Industrial, automotive, petrochemical and steel productions. 

The emphasis on smart manufacturing practises is an important market trend. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Government of India has set an ambitious objective of growing manufacturing output contribution to GDP to 25% by 2025 from 16% currently. As a result, China remains the most profitable VFD market. In terms of energy use, governing agencies in Asia-Pacific countries have consistently enforced regulations. 

Market Major Players

The major global players in the market include ABB Ltd., Eaton, General Electric, Hitachi Ltd., Rockwell Automation Inc., Schneider Electric, Siemens AG, The Danfoss Group, WEG S.A. and Yaskawa Electric Corporation

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

COVID-19 has had a negative influence on the global market. When compared to pre-pandemic levels, demand in all regions was lower than expected. Variable frequency drive is mostly influenced by the demand for electric motors. The pandemic has a major negative short-term impact on electric motor production due to supply chain interruptions. 

Delays in delivery and construction are expected, either due to industrial operations have been halted to prevent the virus's spread or because individuals have tested positive. Most of the parts used in the manufacturing of electric motors are sourced from China, U.S. and a few European countries. The two-year decrease in industrial activity has impeded the development of variable frequency drives.

Furthermore, governments globally have stated steps for long-term growth in the next years, which will benefit industry. Due to the scarcity of fossil fuel resources, the availability for investment in sustainable oil and gas production plants in developing countries like India and China has resulted in a market expansion boom in the aftermath of the pandemic.

AI Impact

AI-powered predictive maintenance can assist in predicting potential difficulties with VFDs and related equipment before they cause downtime. AI algorithms can provide insights into when maintenance is required by analyzing operational data and performance patterns, reducing unexpected outages and extending equipment lifespan. AI technologies can help VFDs integrate with bigger smart production systems. 

The integration improves coordination between diverse components of a manufacturing system, resulting in increased overall efficiency and responsiveness. As companies embrace AI and automation, demand for advanced control systems, such as VFDs, will rise. The global trend towards Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing is projected to drive the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in industrial operations.

Russia- Ukraine War Impact 

Geopolitical conflicts can exacerbate global economic insecurity. Uncertain economic situations can have an impact on business investment decisions, potentially affecting demand for industrial equipment, particularly variable frequency drives (VFDs). VFDs are widely utilized in industries involving the generation and consumption of energy. The war has an impact on energy markets, influencing investment and operational decisions in these businesses, influencing demand for VFDs.

Currency exchange rates were influenced by geopolitical events, which may have an impact on the cost of imported items, including VFDs. Exchange rate fluctuations influenced pricing and market competition. Geopolitical developments have an impact on investor sentiment and confidence in global market stability. Investors become increasingly risk-averse, which has an impact on finance and capital flows in industries that employ VFDs.

Key Developments

• In April 2022, ABB Ltd., a Swedish-Swiss global company, introduced the newest compact, completely integrated design medium voltage VFD ACS1000i with a combined input transformer, input contactor and auxiliary Industrial supply to cater to the space-constrained needs of the water and industrial industries. 
• In April 2022, Rockwell Automation Inc., a supplier of industrial automation and digital transformation solutions across U.S., has introduced a new Allen-Bradley Armour Industrialflex AC VFD for industrial motor control applications. The newly released on-machine motor drive allows for easy commissioning, predictive maintenance and faster installation. The initiative assists industrial enterprises in reducing costs and simplifying equipment design and deployment time.
• In February 2022, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment company, announced the new availability of a half-bridge driver high-voltage integrated circuit (HVIC) with a built-in bootstrap diode (BSD) function, which can help reduce the number of parts required in inverter systems. The new HVIC is designed to power Industrial semiconductors in low-capacity inverter systems. 

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global variable frequency drive market segmentation based on type, voltage, industrial rating, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of variable frequency drive market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global variable frequency drive market report would provide approximately 77 tables, 77 figures and 201 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies