Variable Speed Drive "Regenerative" Type -Lessons Learnt

Variable speed AC drives are used in many new and already existing oil and gas applications because of their well known benefits for energy efficiency and flexible control of process. During the past years, numerous publications have been published relating to the various technologies of electronic variable speed drives (VSD) for electric submersible pumps (ESP) application. This paper explains why a "Regenerative" VSD new technology had been chosen in a specific project to supply ESP. Moreover we will present also the main benefits of using this technology when both motor and VSD have to comply with ATEX category 2 or 3. This paper also presents the precautions to be taken during the various stages (design, construction & operation) of a project and the feed back after a few years of operation and lessons to be learnt.