Variable Speed Drives (VSD) offer the agricultural sector the ability to reduce operating costs on automated water collection systems by reducing motor energy consumption when the motor speed is reduced.
The WEG VSD monitors the functionality of a pumping operation, including special functions that aim to save operating costs and control and protect the irrigation system. It sends commands to the electric motor to facilitate control of the pumping installation, allowing for more effective irrigation.
The WEG CFW 700 frequency inverter provides speed variations for the electric motor, allowing it to operate according to the irrigation system’s pressure needs. Using field telemetry, it is also able to adapt to varying gradients of the land.
In addition, the VSD is able to detect low pressure, which may indicate a leak in the pipeline. The early warning system reduces the need for specialised detection equipment and allows for rapid remedial action.
When water is pumped from a river to a dam for further irrigation, the drive helps to control the water level, preventing potential overflow. In addition, sleep and wake modes can be set for on-demand operation, with the aim of reducing costs.
When multiple pumps are in use at the same pump station, the WEG Pump Genius software and the WEG CFW11 VSD automatically alternate motor usage, sharing operation time between each motor and pump combination, with the aim of regulating wear across all the pumps, reducing excessive wear on a single pump and lowering operational costs.
VSDs assist in optimising water consumption in agribusiness, thereby improving the quality of products, enhancing production between harvests and enabling more efficient land utilisation.