A variable speed drive system configured to receive as an input AC power at a fixed AC input voltage magnitude and frequency and provide an output AC power at a variable voltage and a variable frequency, the variable speed drive system comprising: - a converter adapted to be coupled to an AC power source providing the input AC voltage, the converter being configured to convert the input AC voltage to a DC voltage; - a DC link connected to the converter, the DC link being configured to filter the DC voltage and to store energy from the converter; and - an inverter connected to the DC link, the inverter being configured to convert the DC voltage from the DC link into the output AC power having the variable voltage and the variable frequency, the inverter comprising: - at least one power electronics module and associated circuitry; - a heat sink in thermal communication with the power electronics module and in cooling fluid communication with a manifold, the manifold including a hollow tubular member (54, 56) having at least one port for conducting the cooling fluid into the manifold and at least one port for conducting the cooling fluid out of the manifold, characterized in that the manifold comprises at least one vertical member portion in fluid communication with at least one horizontal member portion, and at least one end bracket for attaching the manifold to a structural frame of the variable speed drive system and at least one angle bracket for attaching the at least one power electronics module to the manifold, wherein a first end bracket located at a distal end of the horizontal member portion is attached to an end panel of the structural frame, while a second end bracket located at a distal end of the vertical member portion is attached to a base, whereby the manifold provides a dual function of providing structural support for the frame and support for the electronic module while simultaneously providing a conduit for the cooling fluid using the same space. - a converter adapted to be coupled to an AC power source providing the input AC voltage, the converter being configured to convert the input AC voltage to a DC voltage; - a DC link connected to the converter, the DC link being configured to filter the DC voltage and to store energy from the converter; and - an inverter connected to the DC link, the inverter being configured to convert the DC voltage from the DC link into the output AC power having the variable voltage and the variable frequency, the inverter comprising: - at least one power electronics module and associated circuitry; - a heat sink in thermal communication with the power electronics module and in cooling fluid communication with a manifold, the manifold including a hollow tubular member (54, 56) having at least one port for conducting the cooling fluid into the manifold and at least one port for conducting the cooling fluid out of the manifold, - at least one power electronics module and associated circuitry; - a heat sink in thermal communication with the power electronics module and in cooling fluid communication with a manifold, the manifold including a hollow tubular member (54, 56) having at least one port for conducting the cooling fluid into the manifold and at least one port for conducting the cooling fluid out of the manifold,