Monday 18 March 2013

Voltage optimisers enable 10-15% energy savings for commercial buildings

Voltage optimiser
Voltage optimiser
~ Innovative technology is ideal for use in swimming pools, spas and other leisure facilities ~

Energy saving technology expert Powermaster has released a range of PowaSava voltage optimisers that reduce electricity consumption and the associated costs by up to 10-15%. The technology also protects a commercial buildings’ electrical energy infrastructure and can reduce carbon emissions across the building by 10-15%.

By controlling the voltage from the main supply, the PowaSava voltage optimiser ensures that the application uses only the required amount of electricity, minimising bills. The device reduces energy bills, without any noticeable difference to electrical functions, by balancing three phase supply and optimising the mains voltage. Depending on incoming voltage it can reduce costs by optimising and improving the source, which can be reduced incrementally by ±15V on the set point.

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.

“UK Plc has been trying to improve its electrical energy infrastructure to save money and preserve the environment for some time,” explained Geoff Ranshaw, a director of Powermaster. “Our voltage optimisers are proven to increase the lifecycle of electrical equipment and reduce maintenance costs. They also help protect electrical equipment from transients, such as surges and spikes. In addition, they are suitable for operating in severe temperatures, humidity, vibration and dirty environments and can respond immediately to input and output change.”

Moreover, the system also helps lower maintenance costs on motors, lighting equipment and other electrical devices by suppressing potentially damaging harmonics. It also reduces the operating temperature on electrical equipment, further extending its lifespan and reducing the need for maintenance.

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Powermaster saved 14 seconds of all global carbon emissions in 2012 alone


In 2012 alone Stafford based energy-for-pool specialists Powermaster was responsible for reducing overall UK carbon emissions by 15,136 tons. This is the result of an electricity consumption reduction of 8,115,000 kWh units, which is the equivalent of £2,389,775 based on an average cost of 8.5 pence per kWh unit – representing 14 seconds worth of all global carbon emissions.


14 seconds to save the world
Powermaster has only worked on 600 of the 5000 pools across the UK. If the carbon savings they have already made were extrapolated across the nation, it would be the equivalent of 126,133 tons per year. That translates to offsetting the carbon emissions of approximately 140,000 people.

One of the company’s key energy saving tactics is fitting variable speed drives, also known as VSDs or inverters, on pump and fan electric motor applications in private and public swimming pools. VSDs regulate the speed and rotational force (or torque) of an electric motor and reduce the energy used in-line with what the motor requires to work efficiently. Because motors used in swimming pools have a varying output requirement, installing a VSD reduces the amount of electricity used and thus the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere.

“These figures just show how effective what we do is,” said explained Geoff Renshaw, a director of Powermaster. “We typically offer energy savings of between 30-70% per annum, per facility.  This scale of energy saving confirms that we can both save you money and drastically reduce your carbon footprint.”

The Powermaster team has also developed and patented a unique Integrated Water and Energy Management System (IWEMS), which reduces electricity consumption and chemical costs in a swimming pool or spa by up to 70%. There is also a web-based remote system for monitoring usage and reliability. IWEMS maintains water quality by carefully dosing the right amount of chemicals, in response to the load, which can help to reduce water usage.

The ultimate environmental benefit provided by Powermaster’s range is the reduction of carbon emissions which contributes to a slower rate of global warming, as well as alleviating the risk of health problems.