Pump and fan systems provide substantial opportunities for electrical savings. In fact, CEE members have implemented individual projects demonstrating available pump and fan energy savings in the 30-50 percent range.

While the potential savings are attractive, the development of a successful program strategy has proven to be a challenge. System efficiency measures typically require a significant amount of effort to identify, design, implement and maintain.

This section of the CEE Web site serves as a clearinghouse for information about pump and fan systems, and related energy-efficiency programs. At CEE, we are trying to determine whether there is significant interest in developing a national pump and fan program approach under the Motor Systems Initiative. At the same time, we're trying to provide our members with the best available information as well as the opportunity to network with each other.

Proposed program approach: water and wastewater systems
While motor system efficiency measures offer three times the energy savings potential of motor upgrades, they are often more complex and require greater engineering expertise. In its efforts to develop a program approach, the working group is considering pump and fan system efficiency in water and wastewater systems as its initial area of concentration. The reasons for focusing on this particular sector are presented in a Call to Action prepared by Motor Systems Committee Chair, Neal Elliott of ACEEE, and Ted Jones of CEE. The Call to Action proposes that CEE coordinate member interest, identify interested parties outside the membership and organize a Fall workshop to outline a national program approach to improve the energy-efficiency of water and wastewater systems.

Use the links above to access presentations, member program information and conference call notes. We welcome your documents, comments and questions.

NEWS

New FSAT and fan training
The DOE Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) introduces two new resources that can help industrial plants identify and take advantage of the many opportunities to save energy and costs, and improve the performance of their fan systems: the Fan System Assessment Tool and Fan System Assessment training workshop.

Click here for further information.

ENERGY STAR examining water initiative
The Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB) to the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recommended that the state revolving fund programs begin to offer loans for energy efficiency and co-generation technologies (EFAB 2001).

In response, the EPA/DOE ENERGY STAR^® program is now looking at the opportunities for a municipal water and wastewater initiative. For further information about the EFAB, see the Board's Web page. The EFAB's report, Environmental State Revolving Funds: Developing a Model to Expand the Scope of the SRF is now available on-line.

The Environmental Financial Advisory Board's 2001 Letter to the Administrator on Brownfields Tax Incentives is also available on-line.

NEMA establishes standards for ASDs
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recently released two new standards: ICS 7-2000, Adjustable Speed Drives (ASDs) and ICS 7.1-2000, Safety Standards for Construction and Guide for Selection, Installation and Operation of Adjustable Speed Drive Systems.

A growing number of CEE members provide rebate programs that include adjustable speed drives, especially variable frequency drives (VFDs). Variable frequency drives can significantly reduce the energy used by fans, pumps and other motor-driven machinery under varying loads. NEMA ICS 7-2000 covers the requirements – including ratings, construction, testing, performance and manufacturing – for adjustable speed drive systems.

NEMA ICS 7.1-2000 provides recommendations for the selection, installation and operation of adjustable speed drive systems. The new standards define construction details that contribute to safety and are intended to assist electrical manufacturers in designing and building equipment with features that will reduce hazards. The standards are also helpful in assisting end-users with the selection of new electrical equipment.

Both standards can be purchased by contacting Global Engineering Documents at 800-854-7179.

For further information about CEE's Pump and Fan System Working Group, contact Ted Jones at 617-589-3949, ext. 230.