Global Variable Frequency Drive Market Overview:
Variable Frequency Drive Market Size was valued at USD 14.71 billion in 2023. The Variable Frequency Drive market industry is projected to grow from USD 15.56 Billion in 2024 to USD 23.09 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.06% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Rising industrialization and increasing construction of infrastructure and buildings are the key market drivers enhancing market growth.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Variable Frequency Drive Market Trends
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Rapid industrialization and increased use of VFDs are driving the market growth
The rise of automation in the manufacturing sector has driven the growth of the market CAGR. For instance, according to the International Federation of Robotics, the annual installation of industrial robots increased from 382,000 in 2019 to 384,000 in 2020. According to the IFR forecasts, adoption is expected to increase significantly, with 518,000 industrial robots operational across factories worldwide by 2024. A significant trend impacting the market is the focus on smart manufacturing practices.
According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Government of India set an ambitious target of increasing manufacturing output contribution to 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025 from 16%.
The Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Udyog Bharat 4.0 initiative aims to enhance awareness about Industry 4.0 within the Indian manufacturing industry and enable stakeholders to address challenges related to automation material handling. With the impact of Industry 4.0, IoT, and smart manufacturing practices, the manufacturing industry is moving toward automation. VFDs are a right fit with this evolving trend.
The market is also witnessing an increased focus on process optimization. A VFD reduces downtime in the oil and gas industry because the gas turbines require frequent maintenance, while VFDs and motors require very little maintenance. This enables more production, lowers maintenance expenses, and improves productivity, thus encouraging various oil and gas companies to incorporate VFDs.
Additionally, the advent of investments from the major utilities in the industrial and commercial infrastructure to mitigate power wastage and improper usage of power had propelled the Variable Frequency Drive market growth. The rising installation of HVAC systems to maintain the temperature in buildings also augments the deployment of Variable Frequency Drives in the building communities.
The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the industrial sector with the advent of smart machines. IoT also increased the usage of automated equipment like Variable Frequency drives that are connected to the internet. This enables the user to monitor and control the process remotely or perform testing and avoid any unexpected downtime before occurrence.
Remote operation helps consumers in managing operations more effectively. The growing demand for electricity and an increasing number of industries combine to fuel the growth of the power sector. These factors constantly drive the Variable Frequency Drive market revenue.
Variable Frequency Drive Market Segment Insights:
Variable Frequency Drive Type Insights
Based on Type, the Variable Frequency Drive market segmentation includes AC, DC, and Servo. The AC segment had a revenue share exceeding 68% in 2022. This growth can be attributable to the benefits of AC drives, such as providing high power, easy installation compared to others, and minimum maintenance. These benefits are attracting various industries and sectors, such as automotive, food & beverage, and power generation, to enhance operational efficiency.
Thus, rapid growth in the industrial sector is resulting in the growing demand for AC drives, which is expected to support segmental growth. At the same time, the segmental growth for DC drive products is anticipated to witness moderate growth in the target market and is expected to register a growth rate of 4.4% from 2023 to 2030.
The use of DC technology in industries is limited as they have high maintenance costs compared to AC drive technology. Also, DC drive technology is not considered energy-efficient, and cannot operate in critical conditions these factors are anticipated to hamper the segment growth.
Figure1: Variable Frequency Drive Market, by Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Variable Frequency Drive Application Insights
Based on application, the Variable Frequency Drive market segmentation includes pumps, fans, compressors, extruder, and others. The pumps segment accounted for a revenue share of 29% in 2022. Pumps are widely used in the water treatment, metal, and oil & gas industries. These pumps are integrated with variable frequency drives, which help them, reduce power consumption, decreasing the cost to operate a pump and helping to operate at variable speeds without a gearbox.
Thus, the benefits of adding VFD to the pump, which results in increasing demand for variable frequency drive from the water treatment plant industry, oil & Gas, etc., for throttling the flow rate and enhancing the efficiency, is expected to support the growth of the target segment.
Variable Frequency Drive End User Insights
Based on end users, the Variable Frequency Drive market segmentation includes Oil & Gas, Industrial, Infrastructure, Power Generation, and Others. The oil and gas segment dominated the market by accounting for a revenue share of 19.94% in 2022. The oil and gas sector relies on motors and heavy pumps for efficient production operations such as distribution extraction and pumping. They are integrating the VFD with the aid of the different motors to enhance the production output while lowering the energy consumed.
Therefore, players' approach toward increasing profit by maximizing production efficiency is poised to augment the demand for VFD. The industrial segment is expected to account for a significant revenue share in the target market. The infrastructure segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to increasing construction activities across the globe. Likewise, the inclination toward replacing the present mechanical drives with electric motors in the construction sector will surge the demand for the market.
Variable Frequency Drive Regional Insights
By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia-Pacific Variable Frequency Drive Market area will dominate this market; rapid industrialization among emerging economies, supportive business policies by the government, and increasing construction activities will boost the market growth in this Region. Moreover, China’s Variable Frequency Drive market held the largest market share, and the Indian Variable Frequency Drive market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure2: Variable Frequency Drive Market Share By Region 2022 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Europe's Variable Frequency Drive market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the rising energy demand is expected to increase the adoption of VFD from energy producers, which is expected to support regional growth. Further, the German Variable Frequency Drive market held the largest market share, and the UK Variable Frequency Drive market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region.
North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due to increasing demand from various end-use industries such as cement, pulp, and chemicals is expected to support the VFD market growth in this Region.
Variable frequency drives Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Leading market players invest heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the variable frequency drive market to grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. The variable frequency drive industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturer’s uses in the Variable Frequency Drive industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. The Variable Frequency Drive industry has offered some of the most significant advantages in recent years.
Major players in the Variable Frequency Drive market are ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Siemens AG (Germany), Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), WEG (Brazil), Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan), and Eaton Corporation Plc. (Ireland). General Electric (U.S.)., and others are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is an American provider of industrial automation whose brands include Allen-Bradley, FactoryTalk software, and LifecycleIQ Services. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 people and has customers in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Rockwell Automation Inc. launched a new Allen-Bradley Armor Powerflex AC VFD for industrial motor control applications. The newly launched on-machine motor drive provides simple commissioning, predictive maintenance, and quicker installation. This drive helps industrial companies to minimize costs and simplify the machine's design and time to deploy.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, established on 15 January 1921, is a Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the core companies of Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced the upcoming release of a half-bridge driver high-voltage (600V) integrated circuit (HVIC) with a built-in bootstrap diode (BSD) function, which can aid in reducing the number of parts required in inverter systems. The new HVIC is intended for circuits that drive power semiconductors in low-capacity inverter systems. It will also aid in reducing power consumption in white goods, electric bikes, and other electrical products.
Key Companies in the variable frequency drive market include
- Siemens AG (Germany)
- Rockwell Automation Inc. (U.S.)
- WEG (Brazil)
- Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan)
- Eaton Corporation Plc. (Ireland). General Electric (U.S.)
- Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.)
- Hitachi Ltd. (Japan)
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan)
- Schneider Electric (U.S.)
- Honeywell International (U.S)
Variable frequency drive Industry Developments
April 2022:Rockwell Automation Inc. launched a new Allen-Bradley Armor Powerflex AC VFD for industrial motor control applications. The newly launched on-machine motor drive provides simple commissioning, predictive maintenance, and quicker installation. This drive helps industrial companies to minimize costs and simplify the machine's design and time to deploy.
February 2022:Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced the upcoming release of a half-bridge driver high-voltage (600V) integrated circuit (HVIC) with a built-in bootstrap diode (BSD) function, which can aid in reducing the number of parts required in inverter systems. The new HVIC is intended for circuits that drive power semiconductors in low-capacity inverter systems. It will also aid in reducing power consumption in white goods, electric bikes, and other electrical products.
February 2024
A new addition to ABB's all-compatible drive portfolio, the ACH580 4X variable frequency drive (VFD) is designed for outdoor installation and extreme environments in the HVACR industry. UL Type 4X certification, which is also backed by NEMA 4X and IP66 rating, guarantees protection against dust, precipitation, saline spray, corrosive chemicals, gases, exterior ice formation, high humidity, and ultraviolet radiation.
The ACH580 4X drive is designed specifically for HVACR and includes functionalities such as a soaring start to facilitate smooth operation of rotating motors. Additionally, it is equipped with freezestat response, resonance monitoring, multi-pump control to optimize system efficiency, and an override function to address fire emergencies.
In addition, a sun shield and an integrated disconnect switch facilitate installation and eradicate the necessity for branch circuit fuses, respectively, while aiding in the preservation of peak performance when exposed to direct sunlight.
Mario Lemarroy, product market manager at ABB, stated, "All customers in the HVACR industry require dependable and robust equipment, but there are circumstances in which the drive must be installed outside the application area, near the application, or exposed to extreme environments." "Our ACH580 4X drive is also outfitted with software features that are specific to HVACR, which facilitates commissioning and operation."
Featuring software functions that are specific to HVACRs, the ACH580 4X drive guarantees effortless commissioning and operation. A Bluetooth control interface is included as standard equipment to facilitate secure and uninterrupted connectivity, commissioning, and monitoring via ABB applications such as Drivetune and Drive Composer. In addition to increasing convenience, the Bluetooth panel increases security by preventing personnel from approaching the arc discharge boundary.
The ACH580 4X drive, which ranges in power rating from 1 to 30 HP in 3-phase 208-240 V, 3-phase 380-480 V, and 3-phase 500-600 V, was introduced at AHR in Chicago from January 22-24, 2024. It will be available for purchase beginning on February 1, 2024.
Variable Frequency Drive Market Segmentation
Variable frequency drive Type Outlook
Variable frequency drive Application Outlook
- Pumps
- Fans
- Compressor
- Extruder
- Others
Variable frequency drives End User Outlook
- Oil & Gas
- Industrial
- Infrastructure
- Power Generation
- Others
Variable frequency drive Regional Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- South Korea
- Australia
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Rest of the World
- Middle East
- Africa
- Latin America
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2023 |
USD 14.71 billion |
Market Size 2024 |
USD 15.56 billion |
Market Size 2032 |
USD 23.09 billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
5.06%(2024-2032) |
Base Year |
2023 |
Market Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
Historical Data |
2019- 2021 |
Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
Type, Application, End User, and Region |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, AsiaPacific, and the Rest of the World |
Countries Covered |
The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
Key Companies Profiled |
ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Siemens AG (Germany), Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), WEG (Brazil), Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan), and Eaton Corporation Plc. (Ireland). General Electric (U.S.) |
Key Market Opportunities |
· New product launches and R&D Amongst major key Players |
Key Market Dynamics |
· Rising industrialization Increasing construction of infrastructure and buildings. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Variable Frequency Drive market size was valued at USD 14.71 Billion in 2023.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.06% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
Asia Pacific had the largest share of the market
The key players in the market are ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Siemens AG (Germany), Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), WEG (Brazil), Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan), and Eaton Corporation Plc. (Ireland). General Electric (U.S.).
The AC Variable Frequency Drive category dominated the market in 2022.
Oil & Gas had the largest share in the market.