Energy saving opportunities - Control
From Electrical Installation Guide
| Speed regulation: Correctly adjusting energy consumption in line with needs |
The previous section showed how pumps and fans can benefit from the use of variable speed drives. Still further advantages can be enjoyed by using these in conjunction with control devices tailored to meet individual requirements.
- Control based on fixed pressure and variable flow: this type of control is often used for water distribution systems (drinking water, irrigation). It is also used to circulate fluids in cooling applications.
- Control for heating systems: in heating and cooling circuits, flow should vary with temperature.
- Control based on fixed flow and variable pressure: mainly associated with pumping applications (pressure differences caused by different levels) such as cleaning, watering, cooling and freezing installations. These require a certain amount of water, even where suction and discharge conditions vary.
The immediate advantages are:
- Improved control and greater accuracy in terms of pressure and flow values
- Significant reduction of transient effects within the electrical network and of mechanical restrictions affecting systems
- Reduced noise and vibrations, as drives support fine speed adjustments, thereby preventing equipment from operating at the resonance frequency for ducts and pipes
- Smooth starting and stopping
These in turn bring about further advantages:
- Greater reliability and extended service lives for systems
- Simpler tubing and pipe systems (by dispensing with dampers, control valves and bypass pipes)
- Reduced maintenance
The ultimate goal is to reduce energy consumption and its associated costs.
