Efficiency


In pump technology, efficiency refers to how well a pump converts the input energy into useful hydraulic power. This is calculated by comparing the useful power output to the total power consumed. The efficiency of a pump can be broken down into several components:

  • Motor Efficiency: This measures the classification of the motor according to DIN EN IEC 600034-1 standards and indicates how efficiently the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
  • Hydraulic Efficiency: This measures how effectively the pump’s hydraulic components transfer energy to the fluid being pumped.
  • Total Efficiency: Often referred to as global efficiency, this combines both motor and hydraulic efficiencies to provide a complete view of the pump’s performance.

In clear water pumping, the term energy efficiency is often used to describe a pump's effectiveness. However, in wastewater applications, the efficiency equation is more complex. Wastewater systems typically operate in ON/OFF modes rather than continuously, with pumps being activated only to empty pits or basins. One of the main challenges in wastewater management is pump clogging, which significantly increases maintenance and repair costs, often surpassing the cost of actual operation.

To address these challenges, the goal is to achieve station efficiency - an integrated approach that ensures both reliable pump performance and cost-effective operation. HOMA’s Energy Efficiency Chain introduces a holistic approach that considers all factors influencing the energy efficiency of the entire pumping system. By optimizing the coordination between pumps and pumping stations, energy savings are achieved throughout the system’s entire life cycle, improving the overall efficiency.

System Considerations:

  • Each pumping station is operates under varying conditions.
  • Factors like demographic changes, daily and seasonal weather variations, and modern water-saving technologies impact system demands.
  • Water consumption generally has decreased, but this has resulted in a relative increase in the solid content of wastewater, including higher volumes of "flushable" materials and large solids.

As the saying goes, "Even the most efficient pump is useless if its performance is failing." To ensure reliable operation and prevent clogging, modern wastewater systems should implement strategies such as station flushing or mixing methods, impellers with large solid passage capabilities, or grinder / chopper systems.

The key to balancing low energy costs with non-clogging pumps lies in a comprehensive system analysis that evaluates not only energy consumption but also the long-term costs associated with maintenance and repairs. A single-focus approach on the pump hydraulic or motor efficiency is insufficient for sustainable resource management in the wastewater market. Instead, combining both operational and reliability factors is essential for achieving a cost-effective, long-lasting solution.