VFD implemented for energy and water savings

Variable frequency drives (VFD) are implemented in industrial operations to achieve many goals. Sometimes it’s simply about controlling speed; other times it’s about reducing energy expenditures. We’re always looking for ways to reduce your costs, and often times VFDs are one of the most efficient solutions. In this particular example, we had already implemented some VFDs with the customer for energy savings alone. After they talked to us about some material losses they wanted to avoid, we realized that a VFD could be the answer for that as well.

Success Story: VFD to Increase Savings

Problem
The customer utilizes cooling fans in order to cool hot water from their hot well to then send it to the cold well. In the current configuration, they were losing a lot of water due to evaporation due to the fan speed. ErieTec wanted to implement a VFD in order to keep the fans at the optimal speeds to reduce water loss.

Solution
We calculated that the customer could maintain the appropriate temperature by running the fan at half speed. At this speed, there’s a significant savings in both energy and in reducing the water loss.

Savings Calculation
The energy savings amounted to approximately $3,300 per year.
Cost avoidance of having to replace evaporated water with (purchased) city water amounted to about $3,600 per year.

Total Yearly Savings = $6,900

Do you think that you could benefit from a VFD on a line in your operations? Call us! We’ll help you determine what is best for you based on your application, industry, and other needs.