At the core of modern buildings, fans, pumps, cooling towers, and humidification systems account for an average of 40% of energy costs. This substantial consumption signals a huge opportunity to invest in technologies that will optimise these systems and drive considerable energy savings.
One solution to achieve this is variable speed drives — these drives can substantially reduce carbon footprints and yield significant financial savings with minimal payback periods… if they’re used to their full potential.
Unfortunately, the reality is that these drives are often underutilised with many pump systems not taking full advantage of their capabilities. But, why is this the case and what can we do to change?
The Role of Variable Speed Drives in Pump Systems
Pump systems traditionally run at a constant speed, leading to unnecessary energy usage. Variable speed drives, however, address this issue by reducing the pump speed during periods of low demand.
The system can then operate at optimal efficiency under different conditions. This not only preserves energy, but also decreases the chance of wear and tear, extending the lifespan of equipment, and reduces maintenance costs.
Companies such as deckpro pumps (specialists in supplying, installing, maintaining, and repairing pump systems) have been advocating for sustainable and economic solutions for more than a decade. And they have demonstrated the potential savings there is to be had in real environments.
During an upgrade installation at a public pool, deckpro pumps fitted a custom-made control panel that adjusted the speed of the new pumps according to the demand. When there were no swimmers in the pool, the pump speed was reduced.
This achieved an impressive 82% reduction in energy consumption at the site!
Beyond speed control: looking at the bigger picture
While controlling pump speed according to demand is the most common application of variable speed drives, it’s not the only use that should be considered.
Variable speed drives offer a range of control options that can enhance system performance. These include:
1. Temperature Control: Integrate your drives with temperature sensors to maintain optimal speed based on real-time temperature readings.
2. Flow Control: Monitor flow rates and adjust pump speeds to ensure your system operates effectively, regardless of demand fluctuations.
3. Pressure Control: Regulate pump speed to maintain a consistent pressure within the system, which is crucial for operational stability.
Considering the broader site requirements is something that deckpro pumps pride themselves on. Technical Manager, Joe Smith says: “In a world where we should all be focusing on energy saving and our carbon footprint, using variable speed drives effectively is key.
“At deckpro, we supply all types of pumps with applications ranging from swimming pools, industrial processes, heating and boiler systems, chiller systems to irrigation, sewage, and stormwater. And this is why we have such a deep appreciation of why no two projects or buildings are ever the same.
“What’s important, is looking at the wider picture, and understanding the needs of the entire building rather than one component of it.”
Innovative Features of Modern Variable Speed Drives
Modern ABB inverters will usually include a built-in clock, calendar and timer, embedded communication protocols, pre-programmed macros and even a swinging choke. By fully leveraging these features, we can significantly enhance the performance of pump systems – improving the efficiency of your whole building.
The integration of temperature, flow, pressure, and time control features, along with the advanced functionalities of modern drives, can lead to substantial energy savings and operational improvements.
As buildings and industrial processes continue to evolve, maximising the potential of variable speed drives will be crucial in achieving sustainability goals and reducing operational costs.
To find out more or discuss payback periods for your site, contact deckpro pumps
(info@deckpro.uk.com) or visit
www.deckpro.uk.com to find out more.
