Achieve superior energy performance of hydronic systems by enabling the latest pump technology

Introduction

Energy improvements can be achieved in many ways, but especially optimisation of hydronic systems has proven to offer a remarkably quick return on investment. However, ultimate energy performance is achieved only by utilising intelligent products and components throughout the total hydronic system.

Accordingly, this article will revolve around how innovative pump technology can significantly improve the energy efficiency of the total hydronic system, but also that of the pumps itself.

EuP goals and requirements for pumps and motors

The Eco-design requirements of the directive for Energy using Products (Directive 2005/32/EC) are very ambitious and determined on reducing the energy consumption of a wide range of products. Surprisingly for many, 10% of all electrical power consumption in Europe is used by motors that drive pumps.

Annual Saving potential by 2020 with regulations based on Eco-design of energy using products directive

Motors:                                        135 TWh (EC 640/2009)

Circulator pumps:                       23 TWh or 11 million tonnes CO₂ (EC 641/2009) (EU 622/2012)

This will be achieved by gradually increasing the energy efficiency demands:

For motors without frequency drive

·   Large motors (7.5 kW-375 kW): IE3 efficiency demand in 2015.

·   Smaller motors (down to 0.75 kW) IE3 efficiency demand in 2017.

IE2 motors must be fitted with frequency drives (integrated or external).

Energy efficiency index for circulators

·   2013: EEI ≤ 0.27

·   2015: EEI ≤ 0.23

Act NOW and achieve profitable energy savings immediately

Behind the great savings potential lies the fact that about 2/3 of all pumps run at full speed all the time, when the actual need for full speed is only 4-5% of the time. By optimising water pump systems, energy savings up to 60% can be achieved. Within circulation of water for heating, energy savings of up to 75% are possible, simply by replacing out-dated circulator pumps with new ones that automatically adapt to the variable flow. These savings can be achieved with a relatively low investment. In fact, the return on investment is most often as short as 1-3 years.

The EuP legislation will undoubtedly result in massive energy savings, but not realised until the natural replacements happen due to tear and wear. So, the EuP savings process is relatively long-term.

Accelerate the process

If energy renovations of pump (and hydronic) systems are accelerated NOW, the energy savings will also be achieved much faster.

“Just by switching to high-efficiency pumps, 4% of the world’s total electricity consumption can be saved – equivalent to the residential electricity consumption of 1 billion people!”

Achieving the EU triple 20 energy-efficiency target also requires an extra effort within energy renovation, as it must contribute with 15% out of the 20% energy reductions. Optimising the hydronic energy performance could be an obvious and profitable place to start.

Complete system optimisation – the new MAGNA3 pump

The EuP legislation was of course an obvious reason for developing the new MAGNA3 pump (Figure 2), and one of the results was an amazing reduction of energy consumption. The new Grundfos MAGNA3 uses only 25% of the electricity (Figure 1) compared to a typically installed circulator (standard UPS). What’s more, the new MAGNA3 use 40% less that than what is required from Jan 2013 in EuP regulations.

Thus, the pump alone accounts for significant energy savings. Combined with the latest pump technology features of MAGNA3, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the entire hydronic system, and therefore achieve even higher energy savings.

Figure 1. Relative energy use with the existing, new and latest pump generation.

Utilisation of a built-in heat energy meter

The new MAGNA3 pump (Figure 2) is equipped with the Grundfos patented direct sensor, which constantly monitors both the media temperature and the differential pressure, across the pump. Doing so, makes it is possible to measure the circulating flow in the system. And by adding a second temperature sensor to the return pipe, the delta T and the energy flow can be calculated (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Components of the MAGNA3 pump.

Figure 3. Illustration of how the MAGNA3 pump is installed in a heating system.

Controlling the flow without throttling valves

Monitoring the circulating flow with the built-in differential pressure sensor enables users to set a maximum flow for each branch served by the MAGNA3 pump. In the past, (and still today) this was accomplished by adding a pump-throttling valve, which was both costly and complicated to operate. With the new FLOWLIMITfeature in the MAGNA3 this is easily set by either a smart phone or directly on the pump display.

In addition to user-friendly benefits, there are also savings in pump operations to be harvested. The power needed to operate pumps can be explained by the following equation: P= q x Dp (hydraulic power consumption = flow x pressure), which means that the more pressure/head needed, the more power will also be needed for the pump operation.

Future challenges for designers and installers

Maybe the biggest challenge for designers in the coming years will be to utilise the different features (see Table 2) in sophisticated products to the maximum, in order to secure cost optimum solutions for users. Accordingly, designers, consulting engineers, and installers will have to work closely together to secure the highest user satisfaction at the lowest possible costs.

Table 2. Summary of MAGNA3 pump application benefits.