Water boosting system improves energy efficiency

Managing electricity costs of buildings such as residential and business blocks, hotels and industrial facilities includes ensuring that the correct pressure and volume of water is maintained by means of a reliable, energy efficient system.

The Grundfos Hydro Multi Pump Control (MPC) booster systems promise enhanced value with an advanced, intelligent cascade controller to improve energy efficiency and ease of operation.

“Over time, the CU 352 smart controller develops its own patterns based on its understanding of a building’s daily requirements,” explains Grundfos external sales representative Nick Pluck.

“It will register and remember how the water demand changes over the course of a day and ensure the pumps meet that demand without running unnecessarily when demand is low.”

Equipped with this controller, the Grundfos Control MPC can monitor up to six connected identical pumps, each driven by motors with variable speed drives (VSDs).

The company explains that the VSD is incorporated so that the controller and MPC can change the speed of each individual motor based on demand requirements. For example, a four-pump system could have three pumps running at full capacity while the fourth runs at just 60% – saving energy while still meeting demand.

As the system’s algorithms calculate patterns, it can trim off waste energy consumption when less pumping is required. The controller can also alternate the starting sequence of the pumps, resulting in more even running time and less wear and tear across the pumps. This allows more accurate and economical service planning and scheduling.

High-efficiency IE3 motors are used to further enhance the Hydro MPC’s energy efficiency while maintaining a constant pressure during changing flow demands. The system is designed with a user-friendly interface, offering ease of installation and commissioning, along with long-term value for money.