Monitoring energy consumption at fuel pumps: Demonstrating potential savings

In the realm of facility management, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are key. That's where Grundfos' Energy Check comes into play, aiding service providers in meeting contractual cost and CO2 reduction targets.

Martin Hofmann, Aftermarket Sales Manager at Grundfos, reports that the company conducts over 1,000 Energy Checks per year in the German-speaking region, primarily at larger objects with several pumps. The Energy Check is performed by specially trained employees, usually on-site.

The comprehensive report includes exchange recommendations, savings in electricity, energy costs, and CO2, as well as investment costs for modernization and amortization. The calculative accuracy of the Energy Check is +/- 10 percent.

One of the most significant savings can be seen in an office and residential building's cooling system. Exchanging four outdated primary circulation pumps saves over 26,000 euros per year. Similarly, an investment of around 47,000 euros at a hospital opens up annual savings of 25,000 euros for 12 medium-sized circulation pumps.

At a fitness center's cooling system primary circuit, two intelligently controlled block pumps instead of three outdated pumps in continuous operation reduce operating costs by almost 7,000 euros per year.

The Energy Check helps with decisions about exchanging pumps that amortize quickly. In most cases, more efficient alternatives are found for almost all pumps during an Energy Check. After receiving the report, Grundfos discusses the results with the plant operator and gives further recommendations.

If a partial modernization is already planned, the corresponding plant parts can be spared or decided on a case-by-case basis. The operator only needs to provide operating details for the Energy Check.

The calculated amortization time of the investment in the hospital case is less than two years, making the Energy Check a lucrative option for facility managers. Grundfos offers a free 'Energy Check' for circulating pumps, making it an accessible solution for many.

The Energy Check corresponds to ISO 14414 (Energy evaluation of pump systems). The Energy Check report contains essential data on the examined circulating pumps, and depending on the plant, selected pumps may be re-examined for more precise results and to calculate different alternatives.

In summary, Grundfos' Energy Check provides a reliable estimate of the savings potential of the pumps, helping facility managers make informed decisions about modernization and cost savings.