Application Guide AG 16/2002 Variable flow water systems: design, installation and commissioning guidance (includes erratum July 2010)

Publication Year

2002

Document Status

Current

Abstract

There are significant benefits to variable speed pumping in terms of both energy cost and capital cost. The main energy savings derive from the pump law relationship. This theoretical saving is however unlikely to be achieved on an actual variable flow installation because of: Changes in the system resistance as valves close, Reduction in the pump efficiency as the system characteristics change, and Variable speed drive losses. Capital costs saving opportunities are likely to arise from the potential diversity of load during pipe and pump sizing. It is hoped that the introduction of this guide, and other supporting guidance on variable speed applications, will encourage their implementation on a wider scale. This will hopefully result in a realisation of the significant energy saving potential that such systems have to offer.

Document History

Erratum issued July 2010 - Erratum for Variable-flow water systems (AG16/2002) - Page 6, Top paragraph under "Fixed speed pumps" Figure 2 should read Figure 1 and also on Page 6, Figure 1, line under each graph: "(m/s)" should read (I/s).

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