Low voltage AC Drives Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Power Rating (Micro (<5 kW), Low-End (5-40 kW), Midrange (>40-200 kW), High-end (>200 kW-600 kW) and Mega (>600 kW)), Technology, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Low voltage AC Drives Market is accounted for $19.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $30.9 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period. Low voltage AC drives, also known as variable frequency drive (VFDs) or adjustable speed drives (ASDs), are devices used to control the speed and torque of AC motors in various industrial and commercial applications. These drives are designed to regulate the speed of the motor by varying the frequency and voltage of the power supplied to the motor. Low voltage AC drives offer features such as variable speed control, soft starting, and braking, making them essential components in industries such as manufacturing, HVAC, oil and gas, mining, water/wastewater treatment, and many others.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), HVAC systems accounted for a significant amount of a facility's energy use as these systems require 40-60% of a facility's power.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing demand for energy efficiency

The market is experiencing a surge in demand driven by increasing emphasis on energy efficiency. Stringent regulations and environmental concerns are compelling industries to adopt low voltage AC drives, which optimize energy consumption by regulating motor speed according to demand. These drives offer substantial energy savings, reduced operational costs, and enhanced process control capabilities. As a result, there is a growing preference for low voltage AC drives across various sectors, driving market expansion.

Restraint:

Complexity of configuration and operation

In the market, complexity in configuration and operation poses challenges for users. Setting up and operating these drives often require expertise due to the multitude of parameters and settings involved. Users must navigate through various control options, interface configurations, and compatibility considerations, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This complexity underscores the importance of comprehensive training and support services provided by manufacturers to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

Opportunity:

Rising automation in industries

The rising automation in industries is a significant driver for the market. As industries increasingly automate processes for efficiency and precision, the demand for low voltage AC drives surges. These drives enable precise control over motor speed, contributing to enhanced automation and productivity across sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and oil and gas. The integration of low voltage AC drives facilitates smoother operations, reduces energy consumption, and optimizes overall production processes, driving market growth.

Threat:

High initial cost

The high initial cost of low voltage AC drives presents a significant barrier to adoption, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. This upfront investment encompasses the purchase and installation expenses, deterring some businesses from embracing the technology. Despite long-term operational benefits, such as energy savings and improved efficiency, the substantial initial capital outlay often necessitates careful consideration and justification before implementation, impacting market penetration, especially in cost-sensitive industries.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the low voltage AC drives market, causing disruptions in supply chains, project delays, and decreased industrial activities due to lockdowns and restrictions. Reduced investments in infrastructure projects and manufacturing industries, along with economic uncertainties, led to a slowdown in the market growth. However, the emphasis on energy efficiency and automation in response to the pandemic's challenges provided some opportunities for market recovery, particularly in sectors prioritizing operational optimization and cost reduction measures.

The extruders and mixers segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The extruders and mixers segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period. These industries rely heavily on precise speed and torque control to optimize production processes and ensure product quality. Low voltage AC drives play a crucial role in regulating motor speed, enhancing energy efficiency, and minimizing wear and tear on equipment. With increasing demand for automation and process optimization, the adoption of low voltage AC drives in extruders and mixers is expected to continue growing steadily.

The building automation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The building automation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. With the increasing focus on energy efficiency and operational optimization in commercial and residential buildings, the integration of low voltage AC drives into building automation systems is on the rise. These drives enable precise control of HVAC systems, pumps, and other building equipment, leading to enhanced energy savings, improved comfort, and reduced operating costs.

Region with largest share:

North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The market has experienced steady growth due to factors such as industrial automation initiatives, increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, and technological advancements in drive systems. The ongoing trend towards industrial automation in the region, aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness, fuels the demand for low voltage AC drives.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to rapid industrialization, particularly in countries. Increasing investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and automation projects drive demand. Government initiatives promoting energy efficiency and the adoption of advanced technologies further boost market growth. Additionally, expanding sectors such as automotive, electronics, and construction contribute to the region's thriving market, fostering a competitive landscape among industry players.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Low voltage AC Drives market include Siemens AG, Fuji Electric Co. Ltd., ABB Ltd., Emerson Electric Co., Schneider Electric SE, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Hitachi Ltd., Mitsubishi Electrical Corporation, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Toshiba International Corporation., Beckhoff Automation, Eaton, Johnson Controls, CG Power and Industrial Solutions, Yaskawa and Emotron.

Key Developments:

In September 2023, Rockwell Automation Inc. and Infineon Technologies AG signed an agreement to jointly develop and distribute a new class of highly efficient, integrated low-voltage drive and motor technology. The technology helps the user significantly save energy and eliminates additional costs for industrial customers by reducing their carbon footprint.

In May 2023, ABB announced the opening of its manufacturing plant in Peenya, located in Bengaluru, India which will produce a new line of variable frequency drives. This factory will produce and offer drives ranging from 75 kW to 250 kW along with will catering to the major industrial segments.

In May 2023, Emotron Drives Power Control LLC, part of CG Drives & Automation inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in UAE. This state-of-the-art production plant will manufacture AC drives and will further enable shorter delivery times of high-powered variable frequency drives.

Power Ratings Covered:

• Micro (<5 kW)
• Low-End (5-40 kW)
• Midrange (>40-200 kW)
• High-end (>200 kW-600 kW)
• Mega (>600 kW)

Technologies Covered:

• Traditional PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Drives
• Multilevel Inverter Drives
• Matrix Converter Drives
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Other Technologies

Applications Covered:

• Compressors
• Extruders and Mixers
• Pumps and Fans
• Conveyors and Material Handling
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Manufacturing
• Building Automation
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Oil and Gas
• Power Generation
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
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• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
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