ECMs on large pumps 3

[NowMechEng]

Hi there,

I am interested in the use of ECMs for larger-than-typical pumps--up to 30 HP. I am mostly looking at hydronics but also domestic booster pumps. I am fascinated by ECMs for pumps but do not have an electrical background and do not have any experience with them in practice. The way I see it, ECMs could have great benefits for large pumps as they have high energy requirements (they are already used sometimes on circulators).

Why are ECMs not more common for pumps? Are they simply still in the early adoption phase? Do you have any reservations about going ECM on high-HP hydronic pumps? Boosters?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

[MintJulep]

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[miningman]

And who says 30HP is a large pump??? Not in my world!!!

 

[SAK9]

EC motors are about 2-3 times the cost of an induction motor. Induction motors efficiency goes up as the motor kw goes up. So it does not make financial sense to replace large induction motors with ECMs.

 

[LittleInch]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushless_DC_electric_motor

So a DC motor with magnets?

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[jspath2339]

I believe your question boils down to efficacy/efficiency. In general, a VFD is more effective at maintaining a certain flow rate. But it costs more.

The difference between a variable speed pump with a VFD & the cost of a pump with an EC motor is not that great when looking at large pumps. If looking at small pumps, it's likely that the EC motor is the far cheaper option. However, the EC motor is not nearly as accurate when delivering a particular volumetric flow rate.

This post is subject to change. Direct drive motors will replace belt drive eventually. There will be no constant volume drives anywhere in systems. These are obvious changes. But for now, VFDs are slightly higher efficacy than EC motors.

 

[ChasBean1]

I've seen ECMs in fans, fan coils, etc. Never pumps. Always thought "why not?" Like Victaulics/ProPress many years ago, never could advise upon it until I've seen performance over time..

 

[ChasBean1]

Follow-up Mint: ECM = Electronically Commutated Motor. They're taking over HVAC air systems but not yet being applied to pumps. No VFDs. Simpler and supposedly more robust. Many are sold. My best client is putting them throughout a huge-ass renovation. My gut on these are like Victaulics 17 years ago. Or Pro-press. Sounds good; ask me in 15 years when you have drips and stained ceilings everywhere. I didn't know how to give advice when this stuff was new. I said ask me in 10 years (e.g., 2018) after talking with client who installed the stuff (e.g., 2008). I won't pretend to know how ECMs will be 10 years from now.

 

[itsmoked]

I learned sumptin new.
Thanks for that Chas.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com