OVERVIEW
As part of the Action Centre’s Recreation Energy Conservation Program, the Town of Rimbey added variable frequency drives (VFDs) on their Aquatic Centre pool pumps. The retrofit involved installing VFDs on a 20 horsepower (HP) circulation pump and a 10 HP slide pump. The centre includes a main pool, two hot tubs, a slide, change rooms, a party room, and a spray park.
The project was commissioned in June 2021.
APPROACH
Instead of running the pump motors at a constant speed, VFDs allow motor speed to be adjusted according to the output requirements. As a result, VFDs help reduce electricity consumption and maintenance costs and will even extend motor lifespan.
Additional benefits of VFDs include:
- Reduced current draw during motor start-up, which can reduce demand charges.
- Reduced wear and tear on motors and couplings due to inherent soft-starting.
- Soft-starting also reduces water hammer, pipe stress, valve, and pumps seal wear.
- Adjustable speed can also help prevent cavitation.
RESULTS
The installation of VFDs resulted in a reduction of 17 tCO2/year and an energy cost savings of $3,956.71/year. The project resulted in a 54% GHG reduction from the existing system and an 11% reduction facility-wide compared to the baseline.
“External funding is critical to help our facilities operate, maintain, and extend the longevity of our operations. The Recreation Energy Conservation Program provides valuable support that enables local facilities to start projects that will lower GHG and energy consumption for the environmentally sustainable future,”
Cindy Bowie, Director of Community Services for the Town of Rimbey
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