DC pumps:huge power savings, really?

[Baldy]

Originally Posted by Parker

This thread might be worth a read regarding the Wavelines, not sure if the issues have been addressed.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2221830

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Not really, you can get VFD's (variable frequency drives) to control AC pumps. A lot of commercial/industrial buildings use this method for their pumps and fans to cut down on energy costs. Small VFD's have come down in price a lot but whether the cost of adding one would save you any money in the long run or not I couldn't say, and not at all if you are just going to run the pump at 100% all day long. Not all motors are VFD compatible either so that is something else to confirm. If I were starting from scratch and needed a return pump I would go with a DC model if it was as capable as a similarily priced AC pump in an instant.

It would be really interesting to see the cost and performance numbers for a vfd and 3 phase pump setup. Even if you run it at 100% 3 phase motors are more efficient, and run smoother and quieter than single phase motors. A vfd would still be needed at 100% to change single phase power to 3 phase. I've looked around online for something like this, but haven't found anything.