Anyone within the agricultural sector will know that operating an irrigation system can be expensive, with one of the primary factors being the cost of energy. The good news is that there are ways to reduce costs and achieve savings.
Significant efficiency can be realised by leveraging available technology to provide an appropriate electric motor and variable speed drive (VSD) combination that reduce costs while providing reliable performance. WEG’s IE3 Top Premium Efficiency motors and VSDs are designed for that purpose.
As a supplier with a solid track record in irrigation applications, the Zest WEG Group can provide examples to show how energy costs can be reduced. In a pivot pump application, which operates for 4000 hours in a single year – two planting cycles – it was possible to do a comparison between a standard efficiency IE1 motor (91% Eff) and a premium efficiency WEG IE3 motor.
WEG IE3 Top Premium Efficiency motors not only offer maximum ingress protection with a higher winding insulation system to increase motor life expectancy, but also offer efficiencies of up to 96,6% and benefits are apparent when compared against IE1 standard efficiency motors. Using a 22 kW 2 Pole at 75% of full load IE1 motor with an efficiency of 91%, measured against a WEG IE3 motor with 93% efficiency, estimated savings of R2100 per year at the current tariff will be achieved.
Much higher savings can also be realised by using a WEG VSD in combination with a WEG motor. An IE1 electric motor, again operating for 4000 hours per year at 91% efficiency, will consume about R93 800 worth of energy, using old valve-based methods to throttle and reduce the output of water volume and/or pressure. The same could be achieved using a VSD to reduce the motor speed while simultaneously further reducing the energy used when compared to running the motor direct online from a power source.
If a 10% reduction in operational speed using the VSD is assumed, further savings of 22% to 27% could be achieved.
New torque sensors for fastening applications Spero Sensors & Instrumentation
Motion Control & Drives
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.
Read more...Servo motor for demanding and dynamic applications Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The EMMT-AS servo motor is ideal for demanding and dynamic applications, and is known for its excellent controllability and path accuracy for precise positioning tasks.
Read more...The future of motion control SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
MOVI-C from SEW-EURODRIVE is a cutting-edge modular automation system integrating controllers, drives and software for seamless motion control.
Read more...Affordable robotics and automation igus
Motion Control & Drives
Visitors should prioritise a visit to the igus South Africa stand, where some exciting and affordable innovations in robotics and automation will be on display.
Read more...Hazardous area solutions Extech Safety Systems
Motion Control & Drives
SEW-EURODRIVE is revolutionising industrial automation with advanced gear units, decentralised drives and the energy-efficient MOVIGEAR system.
Read more...Actuator with integral controller SMC Corporation South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The new EQ series of slide-type and rod-type electric actuators from SMC feature a fully integrated controller, providing a simpler to set up, easier to use, space-saving solution that simultaneously helps users to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Read more...Tough chain and induction hardened sprockets Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s Tsubaki Titan chain series offers significant improvements in wear life, particularly in demanding applications like abrasive and dusty conditions.
Read more...Innomotics powers largest heat pump system in the Netherlands
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics, a global leader in the provision of electric motors and large drive systems, has played a pivotal role in the realisation of the largest heat pump system in the Netherlands. It is located at the municipal wastewater treatment plant in Utrecht.