Pump Drive by KSB Pumps Limited

PumpDrive: flexible speed control for maximum efficiency

PumpDrive is the latest generation of KSB’s variable speed systems. It ensures demand-driven pump operation and, hence, maximum energy savings.

Saving energy with PumpDrive? PumpDrive continuously matches pump speed to system requirements. This ensures energy-efficient and reliable operation of the pumps. Speed control of pumps is highly recommended, especially for systems with fluctuating demand. Demand-driven operation through speed control saves up to 60 percent on energy and increases both the efficiency and the availability of the pump.

PumpDrive lowers energy costs and reduces the pump’s life cycle costs by controlling the pump input power. Maximum energy savings can be realised by combining PumpDrive with the PumpMeter pump monitoring unit and KSB SuPremE®, the world’s most efficient magnet-less pump motor.

Sample calculation

Etanorm PumpDrive 32-200/552. A demand-based reduction in the flow rate by just 30 % translates into savings of € 1,712/8,000 operating hours (at 12 cents/kWh).

Safe and reliable pump operationReliable pump operation requires continuous monitoring of the installation. The pumps' operating status has to be checked frequently. PumpDrive therefore continuously records and processes values, readings and data to monitor the permissible operating range at all times and ensure system availability.
Special features of PumpDrive:
Characteristic curve control and flow rate estimation
PumpDrive monitors the pump’s characteristic curves and estimates the current operating point on the basis of the motor input power and the current speed. This, in turn, allows PumpDrive to detect operation outside the permissible range such as extremely low flow, dry running or overload conditions. Predefined settings allow messages to be output in the case of extremely low flow or overload conditions. Depending on the settings, the pump set is stopped, which protects pumps against failures and damage resulting from operation in an impermissible range.
Continuous flow rate estimation is another essential PumpDrive feature. The flow rate is estimated on the basis of power measurement and the characteristic curve function. The estimated flow rate provides essential information for dynamic pressure compensation and other important functions.