Replacement of Variable Speed Drives happens due to a number of different reasons.  Find below a list of these reasons.  Â
Existing equipment should be replaced with an AC Drives system when:

The existing DC motor nears the end of its lifespan;
Power factor and distortion are an issue, such as when the DC motor has a poor power [...]

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AC drive controllers, commonly referred to as inverters, are generally more complex than its DC drive controller counterparts.  This is due to the fact that AC drive controllers must perform two power section functions.  The first of these is the conversion of the AC line power source to DC, and secondly an inverter change from [...]

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In order to select the best AC drives for a given AC motor, a complete analysis of application categories is required.  Multi-axis controllers are used to control and monitor multiple, independent axes of motion.  Motor speed controllers are application-specific and used to control machines such as conveyors.  Digital motion control hardware and software for the [...]

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AC drives are responsible for interfacing controllers to AC motors.  Not only do AC drives match the control signals (voltage and power levels) and the signal type (analog or digital), but they also provide power conversion, amplification, and the sequencing of waveform signals.  Those familiar with the industry know that AC drives can be used [...]

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Several AC motor controller models are presently being used as general purpose drives.  These are the Pulse Width Modulated (PWM), the Current Source Input (CSI), and the Load Commutated Inverter (LCI).  Even though the different models offer specific advantages and characteristics, the PWM type is universally regarded as offering businesses the best combination of simplicity, [...]

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AC drives are somewhat different in terms of a number of factors, which include electrical ratings, operating parameters, configurations, and features.  Electrical ratings include maximum output voltage, rated power, continuous output current, peak output current, AC supply voltage, and DC supply voltage.  AC drives use either single-phase or three-phase inputs at 50, 60, or 400 [...]

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Both DC drives and AC drives offer advantages and features that are quite unique.  The advantages and features listed below may make one type or other better suited for specific applications.
Advantages of DC Drives

DC drives are less expensive for most horsepower ratings.
DC drives are less complex with a single power conversion from AC to DC. [...]

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Below is a short description of the different types of DC Drives:

Regenerative DC Drives

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Regenerative DC drives, also called four-quadrant drives, are able to control the speed and direction of motor rotation, as well as the direction of motor torque.  The term regenerative implies that the DC drives have the ability to convert the mechanical [...]

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Due to their reliability, simplicity, favourable cost, and ease of use, DC drives have long been an important cog in the wheel that is industrial applications.  DC drives are commonly associated with a silicon controller rectifier (SCR) power conversion.  The SCR, (also known as a thyristor) converts the fixed voltage alternating current (AC) of the [...]

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DC drives are made up of an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) bridge that is responsible for converting incoming three or single-phase AC volts to DC volts.  This conversion process makes it possible for DC drives to regulate speed, torque, voltage and current conditions of the DC motor.  This is perfect for industrial processes like paper [...]

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