Tips to Improve Pump Energy Efficiency
When pumps are regularly maintained, one can reduce energy consumption.
Pumps play a significant role in homes and industrial settings. However, they do consume a lot of energy. Implementing some key strategies makes it possible to enjoy substantial savings without affecting performance.
Here are some practical tips to improve the energy efficiency of pumps:
Don’t oversize the pump
Centrifugal pumps and other rotodynamic pumps are mostly oversized. Thus, higher pressure and flow performance demand more motor power, which means unnecessary energy consumption by oversized pumps.
While oversizing compensates for any design uncertainties, it is always wise to pick a pump that operates close to the BEP (Best Efficiency Point). This reduces its energy usage significantly.
Use variable frequency drives
These drives vary the motor’s rotational speed to get an actual flow and head demand of applications instead of what the pump can produce. The VFDs are typically meant to limit any unnecessary energy consumption. The first instance is slowing down the motor in the case of an oversized pump. The second case is where the duty demands fluctuate at different times. When this happens, the pump runs at the maximum capacity if needed. VFDs cost more initially, but the energy savings enjoyed eventually make it a worthwhile investment.
Use parallel pumping systems
Use parallel pumping systems instead of VFDs in systems with different demands. When worst-case requirements exceed normal, a single pump works far from the set BEP. Consider installing another smaller pump to meet the system’s average demands in such cases. This way, the larger pump is relieved from operating below the optimum capacity.
Limit pressure loss in the pipework
This involves limiting the frictional pressure drop to save energy. As such, the pump requires less power to handle the losses. The system pressure drop in the pipe work is affected by the installed components, the internal surface length, and the diameter of the pipe. Consider these factors when making energy improvements.
When designing the pipework, reducing the number of contractions, expansions, and bends in the piping is essential. The diameter should be uniform, and the piping should be straight. Unfortunately, space constraints can make this difficult to achieve.
Monitor pump performance
Watch the discharge and suction sides of a pump. They are good indicators of poor performance and wear caused by system anomalies or blockages. Low discharge pressure may signify that an internal component in the pump is worn out, resulting in low efficiency. The gauges help tell when it’s time for remedial action, such as maintenance, should the readings go beyond the set limits.
Invest in professional maintenance
When pumps are regularly maintained, one can reduce energy consumption. Maintenance quickly identifies pump issues. Professionals can offer guidance on repairing or replacing the pump in case of wear and tear.
Pump Repair Services provides residential and commercial pump repair services for water well pumps, water feature pumps, transfer pumps, industrial irrigation pumps, and more, as well as custom water filtration services in the Orlando area. (Sorry, no pool pumps or sewer pumps.) We offer 24-hour emergency service. Call us at (407) 625-5499.
