Three ABB variable frequency drives have reduced CO2 emissions by 220 tons a year and slashed US$ 24,000 off the annual electricity bill for U.K. flooring company, Amtico. There were other benefits too.
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Amtico installed a 55 kW drive on its main cooling tower pump, and 22 kW and 30 kW drives on the recirculation pumps, as part of its long-term program to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
The drive in the cooling tower alone delivered energy savings of more than 65 percent, and the saving in electricity costs for the factory as a whole was 2.5 percent, equivalent to US$ 24,000 a year.
Maintenance costs have also been significantly reduced as the motors no longer run constantly – and unnecessarily – at full speed.
Before and after test
ABB’s drives alliance partner, Sentridge Control, conducted an energy audit at Amtico’s factory and installed a 55 kW drive on wheels for two weeks to enable Amtico to measure the difference the drive would make.
“At first, the savings may seem too good to be true,” says Paul Stafford, sales director of Sentridge Control.
“But we regularly prove how having ABB AC drives in the right places can save thousands. The investment can be recouped quickly, simply from the energy saved. It really is that simple.”
Amtico is planning to install another seven ABB drives on pumps and fans throughout the factory, which is expected to lower energy costs by a further five percent and make further reductions in CO2 emissions.