Wednesday 6 April 2011

Integrated water and energy management system enables up to 70% energy savings for pools and spas

Variable Speed Drives for pools, spas and leisure centres
IWEMS® Technology
Energy saving technology expert Powermaster has launched a trademarked Integrated Water & Energy Management System (IWEMS®) that reduces electricity consumption and the associated chemicals costs in a swimming pool or spa by up to 70%. IWEMS® also provides Web based remote monitoring for optimal tuning of system parameters and accurate reporting of performance, energy saving and fault detection.

IWEMS® is the first system able to automatically regulate pump speeds in accordance with the number of bathers in the pool. Existing installations have shown potential savings up to 70% of electrical energy together with 30% of chemical costs. A typical application will see 50% savings in power alone as well as the resultant carbon emission reductions.

Using IWEMS® the motor speed in pumps and air handling units is controlled via Variable Speed Drives, which are an essential part of a modern energy-efficient plant room. As a result, IWEMS® can make real time adjustments to maximise energy efficiency. This means air handling units and pool pumps are automatically optimised according to their running requirements, leading to significant energy savings.

For example, were pump speed reduced to an average 70% of full capacity, this would reduce power consumption by 73% - saving thousands of pounds a year and substantially reducing carbon emissions.

For swimming pools that already incorporate variable speed drives (VSDs) in their control systems, IWEMS® is the next step. For those that don’t, Powermaster can also provide VSD specification and installation.

Furthermore, the circulation of water using filtration pumps is crucial for safe and efficient pool water management. As a result, IWEMS® also monitors a variety of functions including injecting and mixing water treatment chemicals, such as chlorine and pH correctants, and heating the pool and distributing heated water within it. When water quality exceeds a pre-defined threshold, pump speed can be reduced. This saves both electricity and chemical costs because chemical dosing and control is linked directly to pump speed.

IWEMS® can even be used to manage UV treatment systems, creating further savings in both energy and maintenance, by prolonging lamp life. 

“When pools are designed, the pumps are specified to provide sufficient turnover of water to cope with the maximum number of bathers that the pool can accommodate,” explained Geoff Ranshaw, one of Powermaster’s directors. “Our vision is to properly integrate the control of pool pump speed with the monitoring and management of water quality, so as to maximise the opportunity for energy savings. Put simply, we make your energy spend relative to the amount of people in your pool!”

In Northern Ireland and Scotland, Powermaster’s IWEMS® range is listed in the Carbon Trust Loan Scheme. As a result, when taking part in the scheme, organisations can benefit from 0% business loans of £3,000 - £100,000 to cover the purchase cost. It’s quite common for the energy savings alone to cover the capital cost of the equipment during the course of the loan. From April 11, 2011 the equivalent scheme in the United Kingdom will be managed by the Carbon Trust and Siemens Financial Services.

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