Armstrong Extends IVS Variable Speed Pump Range Up to 250KW

The Armstrong IVS and IVS Sensorless ranges have integrated variable speed drives and can be Transducer, BMS or Sensorless control (IVS Sensorless models only).

IVS Sensorless models in the Armstrong 4300 and 4302 Series incorporate integrated inverters which automatically adjust pump speed to meet demand. The extension of the range means that an even wider range of applications can now benefit from the advantages of the IVS Sensorless pump range, which include among others: energy efficient variable speed pumping achieved more quickly and easily at lower cost; faster maintenance (even on the largest pump models) with a 50% reduction in seal costs; and energy consumption reduced by over 20% compared to maintaining a constant pressure across the pump.

The extension of the range also means that specifiers can now benefit from the reduced complexity of system design made possible with the IVS Sensorless range, across a wider range of projects. The IVS Sensorless models provide automatic adjustment to changing building demands in single pump installations (or single pump/full duty stand-by installations) up to 250kW, without the need for remote VFDs and sensors.

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 control

Since its launch in 2001, the integrated control of the IVS Sensorless product range has revolutionised variable speed pumping. The integrated inverter, mounted to the pump motor, 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. The pump identifies the hydraulic performance requirement and calculates the necessary pump speed. The speed controller then regulates the pump accordingly ensuring the best energy savings are achieved.

The IVS range means the pump is self-contained, capable of operating without an adjacent inverter, reducing the amount of site wiring and, in single pump systems, the IVS Sensorless option can even adjust automatically to changing demands without the need for differential pressure sensors within the system. Armstrong IVS pumps can be easily linked to a BMS for greater visibility of what is happening, but the pump 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

The extension of the IVS and IVS Sensorless ranges up to 250kW means that specifiers can design for 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 IVS integrated control allows easier energy optimisation. Integration of control reduces the footprint of the equipment, providing significant space savings. In addition, 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.

In the case of the IVS Sensorless range, installed cost is typically 25% lower than for a conventional vertical in-line pump with separate VFD and remote sensor. Project risk is also reduced as concerns regarding incorrect sensor placement and/or sensor failure are eliminated.

Above 250kW

To complement the IVS and IVS Sensorless pump ranges, Armstrong provides a range of standalone inverters (the Armstrong IVS102 range) to offer specifiers variable speed pumping up to 450kW maximum power.