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

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering, Lappeenranta University of Technology, 53850, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Juha Viholainen & Risto Soukka

  2. Department of Electrical Engineering, Lappeenranta University of Technology, 53850, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Jussi Tamminen, Tero Ahonen & Jero Ahola

  3. Department of Energy Technology, Lappeenranta University of Technology, 53850, Lappeenranta, Finland

    Esa Vakkilainen

Authors
  1. Juha Viholainen
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  2. Jussi Tamminen
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  3. Tero Ahonen
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  4. Jero Ahola
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  5. Esa Vakkilainen
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  6. Risto Soukka
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Correspondence to Juha Viholainen.

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Viholainen, J., Tamminen, J., Ahonen, T. et al. Energy-efficient control strategy for variable speed-driven parallel pumping systems. Energy Efficiency 6, 495–509 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-012-9188-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-012-9188-0

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