Variable speed drives

I was just reading an article I find quite interesting post on variable speed drives. In ships there are many pumps that are running continuously and many of which are controlled with bypass valves or throttlers. I have been involved in several studies on the subject and often seen some very clear options for VSD.

A part of Mr. Spitzer's post I find in particular interesting:
"
Energy Saving

Many energy-saving performance measures involve a single discipline, such as the maintenance department that finds and fixes steam leaks. However many solutions are overlooked because they’re multi-disciplinary in nature—often in conception, justification and implementation. Such is the case of the application of variable-speed drive (VSD) technology—especially in the process industries. A VSD system that includes a drive, motor and pump is many things to many people; a final control element to an instrumentation engineer, a load to an electrical engineer, a pump to a mechanical and/or chemical engineer, and an operating expense to the accountant paying the bill. One of the major reasons that VSDs are not more widely applied in the process industries is because typically no one engineer possesses sufficient knowledge to conceive, understand and evaluate the instrumentation, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, chemical, maintenance, operating cost and other aspects of the installation. As a result, VSD technology tends to fall between the cracks of traditional engineering disciplines.

How can you alter this syndrome and save energy? First, working with engineers trained in other disciplines is fundamental, simply because it is not common for one individual to possess all of the requisite knowledge. Second, you need to call attention to the potential of variable-speed technology. You need a champion who can gain awareness and be willing to work with others. "
The article in full