In oil production, a significant portion of equipment operates at a fixed speed: oil transfer and water injection pumps, cooling and ventilation systems, auxiliary compressors and service mechanisms, and transformer protection units.
For these applications, the optimal solution is one with fixed functionality, focused on reliability, ease of operation and minimum total cost of ownership.
When fixed-speed control is the better fit
The AK01 Switchboard is designed for operation at a fixed speed under stable process conditions, with a limited number of starts (up to 4 to 6 per day), a process that does not require real-time parameter control, and a priority on reliability and total cost of ownership throughout the equipment lifecycle.
It is also well suited to remote oilfields with limited service infrastructure, where simplicity and reliability are critical.
Under stable production conditions with infrequent starts, the need for speed control is typically absent. In such cases a variable frequency drive does not provide additional process value, while it does increase system complexity and operational requirements.
Figure 1. A three-question check before specifying a drive.
What fixed-speed control avoids
Without complex power electronics, there is no need for high-capacity cooling systems, harmonic filters or costly reactors.
Because no frequency conversion is used, no harmonic distortion is generated, so no additional compensation measures are required.
In fixed-speed pump applications, direct-on-line starting also avoids the additional losses associated with power conversion in electronic drives.
Figure 2. Simplified power path: a typical VFD compared with the AK01 direct-on-line switchboard.
Fixed speed, done properly
The AK01 keeps the number of critical components deliberately small and builds the rest from industrial-grade parts with proven reliability.
The power circuit is a 7.2 kV, 200 A disconnector with earthing switches, fuses and a 7.2 kV, 250 A vacuum contactor rated for a high number of switching cycles, controlled by the UMKA-10 with current and voltage measured at input and output.
It complies with IEC 61439-1/2 and AS/NZS 61439, with built-in arc resistance.
Protection works on two levels.
For the equipment: start control with rotation blocking prevents a start against reverse or turbine rotation, load monitoring catches overload, underload and phase imbalance early, an I²t thermal model protects the windings, and the AK01 maintains stable operation under voltage drops, reducing the risk of nuisance tripping that affects solutions sensitive to grid quality.
For the people: power disconnects automatically when the door opens, mechanical interlocks prevent switching under load, and padlocking keeps the equipment in a safe state during maintenance.
Built for remote sites
Spare parts are widely available industrial components that do not depend on a complex supply chain. A typical contactor replacement takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Faults are diagnosed through the UMKA-10's built-in monitoring and event logging without specialised tools, and automatic restart brings the system back after a power disturbance.
It still connects to the digital oilfield: RS-485 and RS-232 for SCADA, a built-in web interface, USB log access without opening the cabinet, and continuous monitoring of motor temperature, pressure, vibration and leakage currents from the well.
| Function | Essential level | Extended level |
|---|
| Purpose | Core reliability and consistent starting | Enhanced diagnostics and operational convenience |
| Controller and HMI | UMKA-10 basic, no display | UMKA-10 with full-colour display |
| Protection | Continuous insulation resistance monitoring | Adds door limit switches and emergency stop |
| Auxiliaries | — | 220 V and 24 V auxiliary supply, Peltier cabinet cooling |
Table 1. AK01 functionality levels.
The AK01 catalog puts the result at up to 30% lower CAPEX, with no need for additional filters, cooling systems, complex power electronics or converters, and up to 15% less downtime through simpler diagnostics and faster repair.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Rated voltage | 0.48 to 5.75 kV |
| Rated current | Up to 200 A |
| Short-circuit withstand | 25 kA |
| Enclosure | IP54, IP66, NEMA 4 |
| Operating temperature | -5 to +60°C |
| Certification | IEC 61439-1/2, AS/NZS 61439, UL (optional) |
| Communication | RS-485, RS-232, web interface, USB |
Table 2. AK01 key specifications.
Running fixed-speed equipment in the field? Send us the application and the operating conditions, and we will help you assess whether the AK01 fits.
Request an AK01 consultation or quotation.
