Variable frequency drives (VFDs) control the speed and torque of electric motors by adjusting the frequency and voltage of the power supply — precisely, smoothly, and without mechanical losses. In pump and fan applications, reducing motor speed by just 20% cuts energy consumption by up to 50%, thanks to the affinity laws governing fluid dynamics. We stock Invertek Optidrive, Schneider Electric Altivar and NFO Drives variable frequency drives from 0.37 kW to 250 kW. ZTF Lāsma is the authorised Invertek Drives distributor and service centre for Latvia — with full product availability, warranty support, and on-site commissioning assistance.
A variable frequency drive (VFD) — also known as a variable speed drive (VSD) or AC drive — converts incoming mains AC power (50 Hz) to DC, then back to AC at an adjustable frequency between 1 and 800 Hz. By varying the output frequency, the drive controls the rotational speed and torque of a connected electric motor — smoothly, precisely, and without mechanical gearboxes or throttle valves.
In three-phase induction motors — the most common motor type in industrial installations — speed is directly proportional to supply frequency. This makes VFDs the most energy-efficient method of motor speed control available.
Why use a variable frequency drive?
Energy savings — for pumps and fans, a 20% speed reduction delivers approximately 50% lower energy consumption (cube law relationship)
Soft start — eliminates inrush current spikes and mechanical shock at motor start-up, protecting both motor and driven equipment
Precise process control — integrated PID controller maintains stable pressure, flow, or temperature automatically
Extended motor life — reduced thermal and mechanical stress across the motor's operating cycle
Built-in protection — overload, short-circuit, overvoltage, phase loss and motor thermal protection as standard
Drives available from stock
Manufacturer | Series | Power range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Invertek | Optidrive E3 | 0.37–22 kW | General purpose; single-phase input option |
Invertek | Optidrive P2 | 0.75–250 kW | Industrial; built-in PLC, STO safety function |
Invertek | Optidrive Eco | 0.75–250 kW | HVAC, pumps; dedicated energy-saving algorithms |
Schneider | Altivar ATV320 | 0.37–15 kW | Machine automation; compact format |
Schneider | Altivar ATV630/930 | 0.75–800 kW | Process, pumps, fans; advanced process control |
NFO Drives | NFO Sinus | 0.75–160 kW | Clean sine wave output; long motor cable runs |
Authorised Invertek Drives distributor for Latvia
Invertek Drives designs and manufactures variable speed AC drives for energy efficient control of electric motors in fans, pumps, industrial automation, building services and elevators. ZTF Lāsma is Invertek's authorised distributor and service centre in Latvia — meaning full warranty coverage, direct access to the complete Optidrive product range, and engineering support from a certified team. For European customers, this also means a regional stocking point with faster delivery lead times than ordering direct from the UK.
How to select the right VFD
Before specifying, confirm:
Motor power (kW) and supply voltage — single-phase 230 V or three-phase 400 V
Application type — pump, fan, conveyor, compressor, elevator, or general machine
Control requirements — basic speed control, PID, fieldbus (Modbus, CANopen, Ethernet), STO safety function
Installation environment — IP rating, ambient temperature, cabinet ventilation requirements
Enclosure rating — Optidrive E3 and P2 are available in IP66/NEMA 4X-rated enclosures for harsh environments including high-pressure washdown applications Lasma
Accessories — EMC filter, braking resistor, remote keypad, communication interface
Not sure which model fits your system? Our engineers can cross-reference existing drives, size replacements, and advise on parameter configuration before you order.
Typical applications
Water pumps — constant pressure control with significant energy reduction
Ventilation and HVAC — demand-based airflow, fully compatible with BMS systems
Compressors — stable load management and extended service intervals
Conveyors and material handling — adjustable speed and controlled soft start
CNC and machining equipment — precise spindle speed control
Elevators and lifts — smooth, reliable carriage control with Invertek's dedicated Optidrive Elevator serie
A variable frequency drive controls electric motor speed by adjusting the frequency and voltage of the power supply. Key benefits include energy savings of up to 50% in pump and fan applications, elimination of start-up current spikes, precise process control via integrated PID, and significantly extended motor service life.
For pump duty, look for a drive with dedicated pump control features: soft start, PID pressure control, sleep/wake mode, and dry-run protection. The Invertek Optidrive Eco Pump series is purpose-built for efficient pump control and includes Optiflow algorithms for advanced multi-pump management. Specify motor power (kW) and supply voltage when ordering.
Yes — Invertek is one of the few manufacturers offering frequency converters with single-phase input, used in locations where there is no three-phase connection, in small pumping stations and households. The Optidrive E3 range includes models with 230 V single-phase input and three-phase output, making three-phase motors usable without a three-phase supply
Yes. As the authorised Invertek Drives distributor and service centre in Latvia, we provide commissioning consultation, parameter configuration support, and in-warranty repair for the full Optidrive range. For European customers outside Latvia, we ship from stock in Riga and can provide remote commissioning support via Invertek's OptiTools software.