EBSP

Selecting the right motor, drive, and transformer for an industrial application is a critical engineering task. An undersized system can lead to failures and downtime, while an oversized one wastes energy and increases costs. To address this challenge, ABB offers DriveSize, a free and powerful software tool designed to remove the guesswork from component selection.

What is DriveSize?

DriveSize is a software application developed by ABB to help engineers, system integrators, and machine builders select the optimal motor, AC drive, and transformer for a given application. It automates what can be a complex, time-consuming process, replacing manual calculations and extensive datasheet searches with quick, reliable results.

The tool is available in two formats at no cost: a web-based version for quick access and a PC application that can be downloaded and installed on your Windows computer.

Key Technical Features

DriveSize is equipped with a range of features that make it an essential tool for modern engineering projects:

Optimal Sizing for Complete Drive Systems

The software can select the most appropriate components for various drive categories, including Industrial, HVAC & Water, Machinery, and Motion Control. It uses user-provided data to calculate and propose the ideal motor, drive, and transformer combination, ensuring components are perfectly matched to the load, speed, and operating environment.

Extensive Embedded Catalogue

DriveSize contains an up-to-date database of thousands of ABB motors and drives. This built-in catalogue eliminates the need for time-consuming manual searches through separate datasheets. Users can instantly dimension and compare different options for their projects.

Advanced Load and Overload Handling

Real-world applications have complex power demands. DriveSize allows users to define different load types—such as constant torque, constant power, and pump/fan loads—as well as overload characteristics like cyclic duty or one-time start-up peaks. This flexibility is crucial for correct sizing in demanding applications, from conveyors with variable loads to compressors with intermittent operation.

Network Harmonics and Transformer Sizing

Beyond selecting the motor and drive, DriveSize can also calculate network harmonics and support transformer dimensioning. This helps engineers ensure that the overall electrical supply infrastructure remains stable and compliant with relevant standards when modern variable speed drives are connected to the grid.

Professional Documentation

The tool can automatically generate detailed dimensioning reports and technical documents. This feature simplifies the process of recording design choices, sharing information with customers, and including documentation in larger project files.

Free and Accessible

DriveSize is provided free of charge by ABB and is widely used for dimensioning low-voltage motors and drives. The software is available globally and can be downloaded directly from the official ABB website.

Conclusion

ABB DriveSize is a powerful, free tool that simplifies and accelerates the process of designing optimal drive systems. By automating component selection, offering extensive catalogue data, and handling complex load profiles, it helps engineers achieve reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for a wide range of applications.

This article summarises key concepts from the ABB DriveSize product information published by ABB.

Download the full free software and learn more here: ABB DriveSize Product Page

Disclaimer: This article provides a summary of the 'DriveSize' product information published by ABB. While efforts have been made to accurately represent the content, please refer to the official ABB website for complete technical details and the latest version of the software. Final design, specification, and implementation decisions should be made by qualified electrical engineers and competent professionals in accordance with all applicable regulations and standards.