Reducing the electricity cost of a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System – a case study using software

Authors

  • W Rautenbach North West University
  • D L W Krueger Krueger
  • E H Mathews North West University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2005/v16i4a3080

Keywords:

energy simulation, simulation software, energy cost saving, electrical load shifting

Abstract

Efficient control is often the most cost-effective option to improve on the running cost of a ThreePipe Water Pumping System. However, the effect of changing the control strategy (i.e. on energy consumption) is usually difficult to predict. A new simulation tool, QUICKcontrol, was used to investigate the energy cost savings potential in a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. The influence of pump scheduling, dam level set points, control parameters and different combinations thereof were investigated. The simulation models were firstly verified with measurements obtained from the existing system to confirm their accuracy for realistic control retrofit simulations. With the aid of the integrated simulation tool, it was possible to predict savings of R195 000 per year with an average 3.8 MW of load shifted out of peak times. These control strategies can be implemented in the pumping system with a direct payback period of less than 6 months.

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References

Eskom DSM. 2003. Electricity Supply Statistics for South Africa 2003, Electricity Demand Department, PO Box 1091, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa.

De Ruiter, H. 1992, Energy savings in mining, Mining Magazine, Vol. 167, No. 4.

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Mathews, E.H. Van Heerden, E. and Arndt, D.C. 1999. A tool for integrated HVAC, building, energy and control analysis: Part 2: Control simulations with QUICKcontrol. Building and Environment, Vol. 34, No. 5, pp. 451-467.

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Published

2005-11-01

How to Cite

Rautenbach, W., Krueger, D. L. W., & Mathews, E. H. (2005). Reducing the electricity cost of a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System – a case study using software. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 16(4), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2005/v16i4a3080