Energy savings in submersible systems

摘要

While considerable energy savings can be achieved by installing variable speed drives in standard pump systems, VSDs are less common in submersible applications, being more difficult to implement. However, it is well worth the effort as the energy savings and process improvements can be enormous. Here, we examine the main factors to consider. Variable speed drives are common in standard pump applications these days and the installation rarely presents any problems. In submersible pump applications, however, the situation is a little different and users are often unsure about the measures necessary to achieve the longest lifetime of the system. There are many advantages for using drives in submersible pump applications. Variable speed drives can offer great energy savings - often in the region of 30 - 50% - in applications where there is a need to vary the velocity, head or flow. This can be highly significant in applications with long running hours. Drives also offer improved process control. By matching pump output flow or pressure directly to the process requirements, small variations can be corrected more accurately than with other types of control. Drives can also help reduce stagnant water storage in pressurised systems.