Optimization of a variable frequency drive pump working on a water tower

Abstract

The development of the existing water supply system in towns and villages involves the use of frequency converters and specialized control algorithms that can maintain the pressure level established in the supply grid within certain limits. The implementation of the standard scheme includes the elimination of the water tower, which, on the one hand, reduces the cost of its maintenance. On the other hand, in emergency situations, the water tower can still supply water to the consumer, which increases the time of uninterrupted water supply during repairs. The article reveals a method of increasing the energy efficiency of transporting drinking water with the help of a water tower by eliminating the excessive pressure of the water rise when using frequency converters. Our research that involved more than 300 pumping stations, allowed to establish the average value of the excessive pressure of water rise, which reached 0.36 MPa. For the wells under study, optimization of the pump operation modes revealed the energy-saving potential of up to 52% due to excessive pressure reduction and up to 2.0% due to a decrease in starting power at the time of engine acceleration.