Water treatment pump cascade control

The Problem of Clean Water

Today, the issue of clean water is becoming increasingly relevant. Clean water is of great importance for the food industry. To solve this problem, various water treatment systems have been developed. However, effective operation requires automation. The company PROFDRIVE has repeatedly implemented automation projects for these systems, and today we will look at one of such projects.

Automation Project for Water Treatment System

This project was implemented in the residential cottage community «Sадок Вишневий» in Kryukivshchyna. Initially, a water treatment system was installed, after which it was necessary to add an automation system. The project utilized three pumps, each with a power of 1.5 kW.

Automation Tasks

The main goal was to maintain a constant pressure at the output depending on the water consumption by residents. Additionally, it was necessary to ensure alternation of the pumps for their uniform wear. This task was successfully accomplished by the engineers of PROFDRIVE using a frequency converter from the world leader Delta Electronics.

The solution was implemented based on three frequency converters of the VFD-EL series and a pressure sensor. The innovative feature of the VFD-EL series allows for combining up to four converters into one group. One of them acts as the master, to which the pressure sensor is connected, while the other three act as slaves and are controlled by it.

Pump Control Algorithms

The master frequency converter controls the pumps according to a selected algorithm, which may include:

  • sequential control of pumps;
  • switching to another pump in case of the main one failure;
  • time-based alternation;
  • flexible control depending on demand.

Advantages of the Implemented Solution

This solution has several advantages compared to control from a single frequency converter:

  • The price of the proposed solution is lower and involves fewer connections and components;
  • Reliability is higher, as in the event of a failure of one of the frequency converters, it can easily be reprogrammed, preserving the functionality of the system;
  • Energy savings due to individual control of each pump;
  • Time for installation and commissioning has decreased by more than 60%;
  • Absence of water hammer due to the smooth start and stop of each pump.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be asserted that this solution is cheaper, more reliable, and more flexible to use. The team of engineers at PROFDRIVE is ready to help you find the optimal solution to the problem of clean water.