EnergySave energy savings calculator  from ABB

ABB has developed EnergySave software to calculate how much energy and money users could save by using variable speed inverter drives from ABB UK, whilst also deriving other benefits such as soft starting and stopping, an improved power factor, and connection into process automation.

It is generally recognised that electrical motors are a main consumer of electricity.  Estimates are that they account for almost half of the energy used in Europe and almost two-thirds of the energy used in industry.

Big savings from ‘flow’ applications

Flow applications include centrifugal fans, pumps and blowers fans where speed control can be used as an alternative to valves and dampers.  Other similar ‘variable torque’ applications include turbine pumps, agitators, and axial compressors.
Because ‘variable torque’ duty is less demanding than high performance application the inverter drives manufacturers either offer fan and pump ratings for their products, or specific products as a lower cost option.

Most engineers know that installing inverter drives will save energy, especially for fan, pump and compressor applications.  The problem for those engineers charged with saving energy is to demonstrate the savings prior to winning access to the capital expenditure.

Is payback time a reliable hurdle rate?

One problem is that pay-back targets can be very tight, with companies demanding payback times of 12 to 18 months. Clearly, settling hurdle rates is important, but when energy savings are ongoing over the life of the motor, and increase as rising energy costs improves the return, more flexibility is essential. A reliable energy saving calculation tool is also an important consideration.

New EnergySave software

EnergySave is a user-friendly and interactive energy saving calculator for comparing AC drive control against traditional flow control methods in different applications such as fan and pump.  Over the years the formulas behind the tools have been developed and enhanced along with the pump and fan manufacturers in order to provide accuracy.

EnergySave has two modes: Basic and Advanced. The Basic mode let’s you quickly see potential savings, and does not require a lot of technical information from you. The Advanced mode gives you the opportunity to include your technical details for a more specific calculation.

Go here to try the EnergySave calculator

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