Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) have become the industry standard for controlling the speed of an induction motor or synchronous motor in a variety of applications, including industrial water pumps. By matching the pump’s speed to the system’s output demand, VSDs save energy, reducing operating expenses.
In this article, we explain the main cost efficiency and productivity benefits of using VSDs for water pump applications:
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1. Control Over Flow Rate
Valves and fixed speed drives are an inefficient way to regulate a pump’s flow rate because they cause pressure drop and friction loss. The advantages of using a VSD to regulate pump speed, therefore, include dynamic flow control and reduced energy consumption. A VSD can maintain a constant flow rate while greatly reducing or eliminating the need for valves.
2. Match Speed To Demand
Another advantage of using a VFD with a water pump is the ability to operate the pump at lower speeds when demand is low. This technique, called “modulation,” significantly reduces energy expenditure and can prolong the life of the pump by reducing wear and tear.
Pump systems are often oversized to meet peak demand but operate at a fraction of their potential flow rate most of the time. A correctly sized VSD can save energy by reducing pump speed during off-peak periods.
3. Reduce Maintenance Costs
VSDs reduce maintenance costs and prevent damage to pipes and valves from sudden changes in flow rate. Pressure sensors can be used in conjunction with the VSD to maintain a consistent pressure level throughout the system, regardless of changes in demand or flow rate.
VSDs control pumps by automatically ‘softstarting’ and stopping the pump mechanism, which reduces the risk of pipes and valves being damaged during rapid flow changes. Using a VSD can also prevent short-term overloading of the electrical supply every time the pump starts, and avoid mechanical shocks that may damage pipes, joints, or seals.
In addition, VSDs provide protection against dry-run conditions, which can damage the water pump. A dry run occurs when there is no water or not enough water to meet the system’s throughput demand. By automatically detecting a drop in water level or pressure through its sensor network, the VSD can shut down the pump or regulate the flow rate before damage occurs.
How To Improve Water Pump Efficiency
Pump efficiency is affected by numerous design parameters, such as impeller shape and diameter, volute or bowl shape, pump type, and total dynamic head. To select the most efficient pump possible for a given application, all conditions of the new application must be factored in.
VSDs offer an efficient way of dealing with lower demand by reducing the speed of the pump, improving the overall efficiency and performance of the water management system.
ABB Variable Speed Drives And Motors From APDS
APDS are one of the UK’s leading Authorised Value Providers for the full range of ABB variable speed drives and motors. To discuss your requirements or to find out more about the efficiency benefits of using VSDs in water management applications, please talk to an engineer.
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