Transitioning to a Sustainable World with High-Efficiency Motors and Pump Solutions

Motor-driven systems are present in almost everything we use, from HVAC to pumps, wastewater disposal systems and more. Given their abundance, it is important to note that nearly half of the world’s electricity is consumed by motors. Looking at it sector-wise, the industry sector alone consumes 64% of energy, followed by the commercial and residential sector at 20% and 13% respectively.

With the current scenario of significant rise in carbon emissions, going forward we need to shift towards intelligent and integrated HVAC system management which includes energy efficient pumping solutions. There is a growing focus on not just improving the efficiencies of motors, but also on improving the efficiency with regard to the entire system. This can be done by decentralized pumping and focusing on system controls which can provide the highest scope for reducing energy consumption, in turn, helping to meet the global carbon emission targets.

With governments and industries coming together to make this a reality, there is an added pressure on manufacturers to deliver sustainable and energy efficient products. The industry offers various kinds of motors with varying degrees of energy consumption which is measured through International Efficiency (IE) standards. This ranges from IE1 to IE5, with IE1 being the highest energy consumed and IE5 being the lowest. High efficiency E-pumps fitted with IE5 motors have a significant positive impact on energy savings and reduction in carbon footprints.
 

The New Era of Intelligent Solutions
Intelligent solutions are highly essential for energy efficient pumps. Incorporation of elements such as AI and IoT help optimize these pumps to function at their utmost efficiency. Looking back, the world’s first speed-controlled pump with integrated frequency converter was invented in the late 1980s, and the innovations continue to this very day.

Digital transformation has put us in the right direction to tackle the world’s water, energy and climate issues. When it comes to pumps and motors, digitalization has given us the tools to evaluate and innovate. It has enabled us to look beyond just the motors and pumps to create efficient systems. Grundfos iSOLUTIONS is one such solution that can optimize the entire system over individual components. It is a remarkable, intelligent solution that looks at optimization of the entire system in place. The use of intelligent pumps, cloud connectivity and digital services in this solution enables real-time monitoring, remote control, fault prediction and system optimization. This in turn, helps cut downtime, reduces wastage of resources and provides significant energy savings. The Confederation of Indian Industries’ (CII) Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre demonstrated immense energy saving of 50% and 75% water efficiency with the installation of iSOLUTIONS and high efficiency pumps for the building’s air-conditioning systems.

E-motors are another way of incorporating intelligent solutions to reap multipronged benefits of water and energy conservation, reduced costs and carbon emissions. They are equipped with integrated frequency converters that enable energy saving and speed control for a variety of uses. These pumps are said to provide energy efficiency beyond IE5 standards making them the most efficient systems to implement. The control feature, when used at the right mode, can increase savings by up to 75% in comparison with uncontrolled pumps. They also help in increased efficiency of the entire system through optimization.

Digitalization is the key
With the implementation of energy efficient systems, we can achieve the highest amount of carbon savings, in turn, positively impacting the climate. When digitalization, sustainability and energy efficiency come together, the possibilities are endless. Taking the digital route and shifting focus to intelligent solutions is the way forward.

- Ajit Jainath Singh, Area Sales Director - Commercial Building Services, INDO and Sub-Saharan Africa Region, Grundfos