| The first electric drive systems were DC | | | | also the drive system of choice for high speed |
| powered. Although brushless AC motors have | | | | applications, since they have no commutator |
| replaced them to a large extent, there is still a | | | | problems. Special AC drive casings are available at |
| need for DC drives in industry. | | | | low cost for areas at risk of corrosion, explosion |
| Adjustable drives are of particular use in | | | | or moisture. This makes them ideal for water |
| small-scale output (the opposite of bulk | | | | systems and chemical plants. |
| production) where one machine may be used for | | | | AC drives are preferred in areas where loads are |
| several different tasks. Adjustable electric drives | | | | variable, or there are long runs of light loads |
| combine high performance and efficiency with | | | | – both these cause wear on the |
| ruggedness, simplicity of operation and low cost. | | | | brushes and commutators of DC motors. In |
| Their task is to control the speed, torque and | | | | systems that require several motors to run at |
| direction of rotary machinery such as lathes, mills, | | | | simultaneous speed, AC drives are obviously the |
| pumps, conveyor belts and printing presses. | | | | better choice. |
| There are pros and cons to both AC and DC | | | | DC drives |
| drives. AC drives are prized for their dependability, | | | | DC motors are less complex than AC motors, |
| compact size and low maintenance. However, DC | | | | and are generally cheaper . This makes them |
| drives are prized for their low cost, simplicity and | | | | useful for small companies. DC systems are also |
| versatility. | | | | the best choice for regenerative loading |
| AC drives | | | | applications, such as escalators and conveyor |
| 3-phase AC induction motors require virtually zero | | | | belts, or in areas where very sensitive control is |
| maintenance, and are smaller and lighter than the | | | | needed. |
| DC equivalent. They are therefore more suitable | | | | We at Iconsys supply both AC and DC drive |
| for areas that are hard to reach, or have space | | | | systems for a wide range of industrial applications. |
| or weight restrictions. Being brushless, they are | | | | |