Energy-efficient control strategy for variable speed-driven parallel pumping systems

The article aims to find a solution for the energy efficiency improvements in variable speed-controlled parallel pumping systems with lesser initial data and without additional flow metering and start-up measurements. This paper introduces a new control strategy for variable speed-controlled parallel pumps based on flow rate estimation and pump operation analysis utilizing variable speed drives. The energy-saving potential of the new control strategy is studied with simulations and laboratory measurements. The energy consumption of the parallel pumps using the new control strategy is compared with the traditional rotational speed control strategy of parallel pumps. The benefit of the new control strategy is the opportunity to operate variable speed-controlled parallel pumps in a region which suggests improved energy efficiency and lower risk of mechanical failure of the controlled pumps compared with traditional control. The article concludes by discussing the implications of the findings for different applications and varying system conditions.

[1]  Ramesh C. Bansal,et al.  Performance Analysis of Centrifugal Pumps Subjected to Voltage Variation and Unbalance , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[2]  R. G. Ellis,et al.  Retrofit of 22 pipeline pumping stations with 3000 HP motors and variable frequency drives , 1996, Proceedings of 1996 IAS Petroleum and Chemical Industry Technical Conference.

[3]  R. Carlson.  The correct method of calculating energy savings to justify adjustable frequency drives on pumps , 1999, Industry Applications Society 46th Annual Petroleum and Chemical Technical Conference (Cat.No. 99CH37000).

[4]  J.J.S. Jimenez,et al.  Matlab Software to Determine the Saving in Parallel Pumps Optimal Operation Systems, by Using Variable Speed , 2008, 2008 IEEE Energy 2030 Conference.

[5]  Jero Ahola,et al.  Frequency-Converter-Based Hybrid Estimation Method for the Centrifugal Pump Operational State , 2012, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[6]  A.T. de Almeida,et al.  Technical and economical considerations in the application of variable speed drives with electric motor systems , 2004, Conference, 2004 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Technical.

[7]  Guilherme Vasconcellos Martins,et al.  Improving Reliability In A High Static Head System Through VFD Application , 2010 .

[8]  Robert L. Sanks,et al.  Pumping station design , 1989 .

[9]  Peter W. Hammond,et al.  A Universal Controller for Parallel Pumps with Variable-Frequency Drives , 1984, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.

[10]  Juha Viholainen,et al.  VSD – control in simulated systems , 2009 .

[11]  W. Hooper.  ADVANTAGES OF PARALLEL PUMPING , 1999 .

[12]  Michael Volk.  Pump Characteristics and Applications , 1996 .

[13]  Anibal T. de Almeida,et al.  Market transformation of energy-efficient motor technologies in the EU , 2003 .

[14]  Zhenyu Yang,et al.  Energy efficient control of a boosting system with multiple variable-speed pumps in parallel , 2010, 49th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (CDC).

[15]  H. Paul Barringer,et al.  A Life Cycle Cost Summary , 2003 .

[16]  Christophe Nicolet,et al.  Investigation of Control Strategies for Variable-Speed Pump-Turbine Units by Using a Simplified Model of the Converters , 2010, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[17]  Tero Ahonen,et al.  Monitoring of centrifugal pump operation by a frequency converter , 2011 .

[18]  Juha Viholainen,et al.  Providing flow measurement in parallel pumping systems from variable speed drives , 2006 .

[19]  A. Binder.  Potentials for energy saving with modern drive technology — a survey , 2008, 2008 International Symposium on Power Electronics, Electrical Drives, Automation and Motion.

[20]  Cenk Celik,et al.  Energy Efficiency in Pumps , 2008, Energy Management and Energy Efficiency in Industry.

[21]  Jussi Tamminen,et al.  Estimation of pump operational state with model-based methods , 2010 .

[22]  Anibal T. de Almeida,et al.  Ecoanalysis of Variable-Speed Drives for Flow Regulation in Pumping Systems , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[23]  Mike Pemberton,et al.  Pump Systems Performance Impacts Multiple Bottom Lines , 2009 .

[24]  Michel Bernier,et al.  Pumping Energy And Variable Frequency Drives , 1999 .

[25]  Augusto Nelson Carvalho Viana,et al.  Optimization of parallel variable-speed-driven centrifugal pumps operation , 2008 .

[26]  G. Dalmaz.  Variable Speed Pumping: A Guide to Successful Applications , 2002 .

[27]  Gunnar Hovstadius.  Getting it Right, Applying a Systems Approach to Variable Speed Pumping , 2005 .

[28]  Jiangfeng Zhang,et al.  Optimal sizing and operation of pumping systems to achieve energy efficiency and load shifting , 2012 .

[29]  Maurice Fadel,et al.  A Predictive Control With Flying Capacitor Balancing of a Multicell Active Power Filter , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.