Armstrong Extends Sensorless Control Variable Speed Pumps Range Up To 55kW

The pumps are Armstrong’s Series 4300 and 4302 models – now a HVAC industry standard – incorporating integrated inverters which automatically calculate the building demand and adjust the speed of the drives accordingly. The extension of the range means that an even wider range of applications can now benefit from the advantages of the IVS pump range, which include, among others: energy efficient variable speed pumping achieved more quickly and easily at lower cost; reduced complexity of system design without the need for remote VFDs and sensors; faster maintenance (even on the largest pump models) with a 50% reduction in seal costs; energy consumption reduced by over 20% compared to maintaining a constant pressure across the pump.

In addition to providing a far more effective alternative to traditional variable speed pumping in new builds, the built-in control of the IVS range has valuable benefits for retrofits, simplifying the migration from fixed to variable speed.

Integrated Sensorless control

Since its launch in 2001, the integrated Sensorless control of the IVS product range has revolutionised variable speed pumping. The integrated inverter, attached to the body of the pump itself, enables the pump to calculate its own speed requirements based on the load placed upon it at any one time. Embedded within the memory of the speed controller are pump performance curves for differing speeds, including power, pressure and flow data across the flow range of the pump. So, as long as the inverter can identify the power and speed of the pump, it can carry out the necessary calculations to determine the hydraulic performance and position in the pump’s head-flow characteristics. The speed controller then regulates the pump accordingly to ensure that only the required energy for its current base-load is used.

This means the pump is self-contained, capable of operating without a centralised inverter, and without the need for differential pressure sensors within the system. It can be easily linked to a BMS for greater visibility of what is happening, but it does not rely on electronic communication with other elements of the system in order to understand the job it needs to do. It arrives on site with all this intelligence already resident (so it doesn’t require complicated commissioning) and is “plug and play” requiring little or no programming by the user.

Bigger benefits

IVS Sensorless pumps up to 7.5kW have become a top-selling product line for Armstrong. The latest launch extends the opportunity for integrated Sensorless control for variable speed vertical in-line pumps up to 55kW, meaning that specifiers can offer significantly better energy efficiency performance without the fear of adding to the complexity and cost of the system.

• Energy savings of greater than 50% can be achieved as Sensorless technology allows easier energy optimisation.
• Installed cost is typically 25% lower than for a conventional vertical in-line pump with separate VFD and remote sensor.
• Project risk is reduced as concerns regarding incorrect sensor placement and/or sensor failure are eliminated.
• Integration of control reduces the footprint of the equipment, providing significant space savings.
• Seal maintenance costs are reduced by over 50% due to split-coupled pump design. The external mechanical seal can be replaced without the need to remove the motor, VSD and rotating assembly.

Above 55kW

To coincide with the launch of the extended IVS range, Armstrong is also launching a range of standalone inverters, the IVS102, to offer specifiers variable speed pumping up to 450kW maximum power.