When it comes to healthcare source equipment, we are looking at some pretty stiff energy and utility usage. This, of course, adds up to big costs. There are a couple of ways to help reduce medical vacuum energy consumption. One of them is to upgrade to efficient rotary claw vacuum pumps (case study). Check out our blog post, “Advantages of the Dry Rotary Claw Vacuum System”. Another is through the use of VFD (Variable Frequency Drive). When installed on a rotary claw vacuum system the savings can be exceptional.
These computerized devices use a pressure sensor in the vacuum line to sense the vacuum level. Then it will adjust the speed of the motor to maintain a given vacuum set point.
VFD is directly related to the speed at which a motor runs (RPM’s). In a nutshell, VFD can be used to ramp down the frequency and voltage of a motor’s load. As the demand requirements change, up or down, the VFD adjusts the motor speed to meet the demand instead of running full out all the time.
Another great advantage of VFD is on pump start up. A normal motor experiences “across the line starting” or “instant-shock”. A VFD provides an adjustable ramp up speed allowing the motor to start smoothly. This eliminates belt, gear and bearing wear. A VFD controller also provides motor protection from issues such as under-voltage, over-voltage, phase protection and electro-thermo overloads.
With VFD installed, pumps run much cooler and last longer. When motors operate at efficient speeds, it improves wear and tear on parts. It also reduces maintenance and utility costs. VFD can be installed at a reasonable price and pays for itself in energy and maintenance savings.
VFD works best and is most cost effective on vacuum applications with varying demand conditions. This is typical with most medical vacuum usage.
The utility returns are considerable and could help the hospital in the long run. ASHE recently issued an alert on new energy usage regulations. Check out our blog post, “ASHE Alerts Healthcare Industry to Energy Conservation”. Then visit the “ASHE Energy to Care Program” for guidelines and tools designed to help reach the new healthcare energy benchmarks. Perhaps VFD can help you reach those goals.
Rotary claw vacuum pumps are sweeping the healthcare industry. Adding VFD to increase pump efficiency, gives the technology an outstanding competitive edge. Contact us to find out if VFD is a suitable fit for your medical vacuum application.
