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ENERGY EFFICIENCY THROUGH INNOVATION

Not many people know that pumps in the heating system, hidden in the basement, take up a large share of the electricity consumption in our homes. Even fewer know that substantial savings and a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gases can be achieved simply by upgrading the circulator to a more energy efficient alternative.

For many years Grundfos has been the preferred supplier of some of the most energy efficient circulator pumps on the market. With the introduction of the European Energy Labelling Scheme for circulators in 2005, Grundfos committed to labelling all its circulator pumps for heating systems with a standardised declaration specifying how efficiently they use energy. It allows private homeowners as well as commercial building customers, ie consultant engineers, installers and distributors alike, to directly compare the energy efficiency of different circulator pumps and to make an informed choice.

At present only a few European countries have legislation that demands the change to energy efficient circulators in new domestic and commercial building projects. In cooperation with its partners, Grundfos has chosen to make large investments in developing the technology for innovative pumps and in bringing out the message to the European countries through a large scale marketing campaign called the Energy Project.

CIRCULATOR PUMPS

In simplest terms, circulator pumps are electrically powered pumps used for circulating water in heating, air conditioning, and hot water systems. Grundfos offers two A-labelled variants: the Grundfos ALPHA2 range for private homes and the larger Grundfos MAGNA for commercial buildings.

SAVE UP TO 80 PER CENT

A traditional D-labelled circulator, which is the average already installed in European households, runs at full speed day and night, summer and winter. Consequently, it is one of the big entries on the electricity bill, responsible for up to 10 per cent of the total electricity consumption of a private household.

The intelligent A-labelled Grundfos ALPHA2 circulator automatically adjusts its pressure to demand, and runs on down to as little as 5W, or typically 90 kWh a year.
The power input of a standard pump is 60-100W, meaning that the yearly power consumption is 4-500 kWh.

Replacing a standard pump with an A-labelled circulator can result in savings of up to 80 per cent.

Payback time of the extra initial investment from a standard to the A-rated alternative is just under two years. The next approximately 10-15 years of operation offer substantial savings year after year, after year.

AUTOADAPT  TECHNOLOGY

Combining unique compact design and revolutionary technology, Grundfos ALPHA2 and MAGNA circulators lead the way to the future of A-labelled pumps.
The intelligent proportional pressure control, AUTOADAPT, is the heart of the MAGNA and ALPHA2 designs. The innovative Grundfos technology allows the pump to automatically recognise and adjust itself to the specific system in which it is installed and saves even more.

HOMEOWNERS SURVEY

To get an insight into the energy habits and behaviour of its customers, Grundfos has just finished a consumer survey. The survey focused on three European countries, Germany, France and England and involved more than 3,300 houseowners.

The conclusion of the survey was hardly surprising: The vast majority confirm a great interest in energy savings. Figures also show that more than 90 per cent of respondents are very conscious that the effort for a better environment is a common responsibility.

Although homeowners are conscious about saving energy, most believe energy savings primarily concern remembering to turn off the lights and other electric devices when not in use. Although many know the energy labelling scheme, very few are aware of the energy rating of the electrical products in their home.

And although we hate to admit it, very few of the respondents knew that a standard D-labelled circulator pump is one of the biggest energy thieves in the house. Most were convinced that the washing machine, the refrigerator, or the tumbler use more energy than the circulator. Had they installed an A-labelled ALPHA2 they would be absolutely right...

SAVINGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The survey also shows that it is not so easy to take the decisive steps alone. The majority of respondents do things to reduce the power consumption, but most only turn off or disconnect devices when they are not in use and are not very confident when it comes to buying A-labelled products.

Together the European customers who in 2005 and 2006 chose one of the energy efficient Grundfos circulators  each year save the equivalent of the total electricity consumption of approximately 200,000 average European households.

If the 120 million circulators already installed in Europe were all replaced by A-labelled pumps, savings would be approximately 44 billion kWh per year – or equal to the annual power production of five nuclear power stations or 10 conventional power plants.

REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS

These significant savings have a direct impact on the amount of CO2 emitted from European households. By making the A-rated choice, consumers save on their electricity bill, save energy, and make a personal contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

GRUNDFOS ALPHA2 LEADS THE WAY

The new ALPHA2 is a revolution within circulator technology. The pump offers a wide range of new functions and innovative technology that will save the homeowners a lot of money and the installers a lot of trouble.

The display makes the energy consumption very visible to homeowners allowing them to make the informed choice and see the difference an A-labelled circulator makes. In addition, its innovative, energy saving technology contributes significantly to reducing CO2 emissions from private homes.

STANDARD CIRCULATOR PUMPS

Regardless of heat requirement, a standard 3-speed pump will run at a fixed speed. If the radiator valves are closed (manually or by thermostat), the pump will continue to build up a higher pressure than required. The result is unnecessary electricity consumption: up to 100W, and often noise in the system. You could compare this to driving a car at constant full throttle and using only the brake to control your speed.

INTELLIGENT SPEED CONTROLLED PUMPS

A speed controlled Grundfos pump will automatically adjust its output to the changing heat demand regulated by the (manual or thermostatic) radiator valves. Therefore, speed controlled pumps never produce unnecessary pressure. Rather, they reduce their speed to the level needed in the heating system and save electricity as well as reduce noise in the system.

CIRCULATOR FACTS

• 120 million circulators run in houses in Europe.
• Each year approximately 10 per cent are replaced.
• A-labelled Grundfos pumps reduce energy consumption by up to 80 per cent.
• The Grundfos ALPHA2 and MAGNA A-rated circulators with integrated AUTOADAPT can replace virtually any old circulator without extra efforts.

Organisation

Grundfos is a leading manufacturer of centrifugal pumps and systems for water applications in industry, irrigation, heating and wastewater treatment. The Grundfos Group
is represented by 72 companies in 41 countries.

Enquiries

Grundfos Management A/S
Poul Due Jensens Vej 7, 8850 Bjerringbro, Denmark
Tel: +45 87501400