COMPARISON OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MOTORS OPERATING IN A PUMPING UNIT

Abstract

Purpose. Comparative analysis of energy consumption of various types electric motors in fixed speed centrifugal industrial pump applications is carried out. The purpose of the analysis is to choose the most efficient motor in the considered application. It is assumed that hydraulic flow of the pump is adjusted by throttling. The rated power of the pump unit is 2.2 kW. Direct on line motors of various energy efficiency classes from various manufacturers are considered: induction motors with permanent magnets on the rotor of IE4 class and squirrel cage induction motors of IE3 and IE4 classes. Methodology. Assessment of energy consumption of the motors is carried out based on the catalogue data from manufacturers of the pump and the motors. Pump hydraulic equations, interpolation of motor catalogue data and statistical data are also used. Results. The following values have been obtained: annual and daily energy consumption of the motors and electricity cost savings comparing with the least effective motor considered. Practical value. The following practical consideration are presented based on the theoretical results: choosing the motor based only on its IE efficiency class according to IEC 60034-30-1 is not enough to ensure the minimum energy consumption of pump units with variable flow during the load cycle. In addition, the energy consumption may be higher in the case of permanent magnet motors of IE4 class in comparison with induction motors of IE4 or even IE3 class. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account efficiency of the motors at underload and it is needed to calculate the energy consumption during the actual load cycle. It should be noted, that the existing approach based on the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) calculation does not provide information about absolute values of energy savings and cost savings, in contrast to the described approach. While choosing motors to run in the considered application it is also important to take into account that the motors with permanent magnets on the rotor have significantly higher price and very restricted starting capabilities comparing with induction motors. In addition, the production of rare earth magnets causes a significant environmental damage.