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Variable frequency drives
Energy
compared to throttling devices 40 Savings
VFD
kW Meter
VFD
kW Meter
2 3
Flow1 RPM1 Head1 RPM1 Power1 RPM1
= = =
Flow2 RPM2 Head2 RPM2 Power2 RPM2
180
140
120
Head or Pressure (ft)
100
Friction
Head
80
60
40
0
0 40 80 120 160 200
Flow Rate (gpm)
120
100 180
80 160
60 140
in a pump system
Figure 7. System Characteristics Using a Variable Frequency Drive
A throttling device is often used as a mechanical method to reduce
the flow rate in a pumping system. Applying a throttling device to
the system changes the pump curve, as shown in Figure 6. This Overlaying the two previous graphs, the difference is obvious in
reduces the flow of the system, but the pump curve is not altered Figure 8. The blue shaded area is the energy saved by using a VFD
and continues to operate at full speed. This creates mechanical instead of a throttling device.
stresses—excessive pressure and temperature—on the pump
system, which can cause premature seal or bearing failures. More
importantly, this also consumes a tremendous amount of energy. 180
The energy comsumed is represented by the blue shaded area Pump Performance Curve
160 at Full Speed
in Figure 6. Required hp at
140
Head or Pressure (ft)
Full Speed
System Curve
120 (Throttling
180 Pump Performance Curve 100 Device)
at Full Speed
160 80 System Curve
140 Required hp
Head or Pressure (ft)
60
at Full Speed Pump Performance Curve
120 40
System Curve at Reduced Speed (VFD)
100 (Throttling Device) Required hp at
20 Reduced Speed
80 0
60 0 40 80 120 160 200
20
0 Figure 8. The Difference in Energy Consumption Using a
0 40 80 120 160 200 Throttling Device versus a Variable Frequency Drive
Flow Rate (gpm)
Eaton Corporation
Electrical Sector
1111 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114 USA
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