Case Study
Invertek Drives’ pump control makes a splash
Problem
A water-based attraction was in jeopardy because its diesel generator powering two pumps kept stalling and overloading. It was also costing money in terms of fuel use and maintenance costs.
Solution
Two Optidrive variable frequency drives were installed with a 50Hz frequency set to maintain the required flow and control the ride more efficiently. Energy savings of $215 a day were made on just diesel alone.
Invertek Drives Ltd
The Splash Down is a firm favourite of fair goers, but its operator reported a number of problems that could jeopardise the attraction's future. The ride uses two 30kW pumps to circulate water for filtration and to push the boats back to the starting position on completion of the circuit.
The diesel generator used to power Splash Down wouldn't start both pumps together; it kept stalling and was using a large amount of fuel - affecting the cost of running the ride. Contactors were also tripping out on overload for no apparent reason.
The ride's owner contacted Invertek in Australia to try and find solutions to these problems to ensure Splash Down could continue to be enjoyed by Royal Show visitors.
Invertek Australasia's Managing Director, Brett Masters, said: "We installed two Optidrives and set the ramp start to 30 seconds each. The frequency was set to 50 Hz to maintain the required flow and we turned on the energy optimising feature to ensure the ride runs as efficiently as possible.
"The result is that both pumps can now be started together without stalling - the two 30kW motors are now drawing 20kW each at 50Hz. The contactors no longer trip out and, if required, the drives can also be sped up to increase the flow rate, making the turn-around time shorter so more riders can be loaded per day. Best of all, the ride's operator is now saving in excess of $215 a day in diesel!"
The advanced optimisation function within Optidrive drives intelligently matches energy usage to the pump load to ensure pumps operate at maximum efficiency. The inbuilt energy consumption meter allows energy consumption to be clearly displayed and savings to be calculated.
The Optidrive can be easily configured to avoid frequencies that cause resonance in pumping systems, preventing unnecessary noise and mechanical damage to motors and pipework. Optidrive also includes a sleep mode that saves energy by detecting when a pump is running inefficiently and producing little useful work. The drive can be programmed to enter into a sleep/disabled mode until the demand increases. To help prevent sleep mode oscillation, Optidrive can automatically initiate a boost cycle to increase pressure on starting or stopping.
Invertek Drives offers a number of dedicated pump control products, including Optiflow technology for multiple pump control more details can be found here.
The IGA Perth Royal Show is now Perth's biggest community event attracting 400,000 visitors from the city and the country every year. With a rich history spanning 170 years, the Show is an iconic social and cultural event which showcases Western Australia's agriculture, small businesses and entertainment.
This year's show takes place from the 28th September5th October find out more here.
