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Motordrvs
Motordrvs
Compared to throttling as a means of flow control, speed reduction provides dramatic energy
savings. Throttling to reduce flow in a fan or pump backs the device up on its operating curve,
increasing pressure and often increasing power consumption.
The following graphs of a typical circulating pump (75% efficient) demonstrate the difference in
energy use between throttling and ASD to reduce flow by 33%. The operating point for peak condi-
tions is at the intersection of the pump curve and the system head curve (925 gpm at 42-foot head)
and draws about 13 horsepower. Reducing flow through throttling to 600 gpm requires the pump
to produce about 45 feet of head, drawing about 9 horsepower. Reducing speed with ASD reduces
the head to less than 20 feet and draws less than 5 horsepower. This results in almost 70% reduc-
tion in power consumed.
Basic ASDs cost about the same as the motors they drive, but they are highly dependent upon
features and application requirements. Costs for basic variable torque drives start at around $520
per horsepower for a one HP drive and drop sharply to around $160 per horsepower for a 10 horse-
power drive. Costs level off more slowly after that with 40 horsepower drives at about $100, and
500 horsepower drives down to about $70. Installation costs, electrical filters and special features
for constant torque, special controls, or diagnostics can easily more than double the costs.
Availability: Electronic VFDs are readily available. There are many manufacturers producing units
ranging from integral to hundreds of horsepower. DC drives are available from most major motor
manufacturers.
2
Adjustable Speed Motor Drives Factsheet
Variable Frequency Drives
FEMP Greening Federal Facilities, section 3.3.2 http://www.eren.doe.gov/femp/greenfed/3.0/
3_3_2_var_frequency_drives.htm
The Drive for Energy Efficiency: Variable speed drives can help facilities maximize HVAC opera-
tions
From Maintenance Solutions, June 1996 http://www.facilitiesnet.com/fn/NS/NS3mg6e.html
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