Energy saving and efficiency improvement

Nearly a third of the world’s motors are equipped with frequency converters to reduce energy consumption. When these motor and inverter applications are networked, valuable data about energy consumption and energy efficiency can be transmitted, which can help water utilities more clearly identify potential sources of energy waste.

A1S65B-S1 Armed with this information, water companies are able to more accurately identify and address issues affecting energy efficiency that may have previously been overlooked. These issues may include excessive part selection, low motor energy efficiency ratings, variable load processes that continue to operate at maximum capacity, or deteriorating asset conditions.

Saneago, a water utility based in the state of Goias, Brazil, has been able to save around $700,000 per year on the energy costs of its pumps by implementing this solution. Saneago installed ABB’s smart inverters, motors, sensors and remote regulation tools in four of its intake pumping stations, using 15 high-efficiency low-voltage motors and inverters to control the speed and torque of the pumps, reducing energy consumption by 25 percent.

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Total solution

A1S65B-S1 These cases fully show that the application of smart water supply systems can not only improve efficiency and save time for users, but also effectively reduce financial and human costs. However, given the multiple aspects of the water cycle, including treatment, distribution, sustainability, consumption and infrastructure management, digital solutions in the water sector must be holistic. Therefore, water companies must look at the whole situation, not only limited to the optimization of a certain function, but should consider all aspects comprehensively, in order to achieve greater overall benefits.

Digital solutions bring new opportunities to address and manage multiple challenges. By enabling connected operations, digital solutions can significantly increase efficiency and effectively address challenges, which has been proven in the energy and transportation industries. Today, the global water industry also ushered in an important moment to realize these advantages.