Why does a circulation pump need a UPS?
The circulation pump is an important element of most modern heating, water supply and sanitation systems. Any interruption in the operation of the pump will leave the site where it is installed without heat, water or sewerage, which can cause serious discomfort to the people located there, and in the case of commercial real estate, also lead to material costs. Therefore, the pump must be supplied with an uninterruptible power supply.
It is also worth noting that circulation pumps are volatile devices that have a certain set of requirements for the parameters of the electricity that feeds them. Domestic electrical networks are often unable to provide the required characteristics (especially in suburban areas and the private sector), which can lead to malfunctions in the operation of pumps, and in some cases to their failure. Therefore, it is also important to provide the pump with “comfortable” operating conditions due to the highest quality power supply. Let us dwell on the problems that may arise due to insufficient power supply, in more detail.
One of the components of the circulation pump is an electric motor, the correct operation of which is possible only when the nominal (or as close as possible to the nominal) voltage with a sinusoidal shape is applied to the input. A non-sinusoidal voltage causes accelerated “aging” of the motor insulation, as well as an increase in the mechanical vibration that accompanies it, both of which can cause serious damage to the pump.
Deviations of the supply voltage from the calculated value (for household appliances - 220/230 V) lead to a decrease in the power of the pump, and hence to a decrease in the pressure in the system associated with it (up to the complete cessation of pumping liquid). In addition, prolonged exposure to low voltage causes an increase in the internal temperature of the motor with the consequent overheating of the pump and the risk of further fire.
The use of a modern uninterruptible power supply is one of the most rational ways to solve the problem of providing a circulation pump with an uninterrupted power supply of good quality. However, not all UPSs are equally efficient, some models will not bring any benefit when working with a pump.
Which type of UPS is best suited for a circulation pump?
If you want to buy a UPS, then you will come across a wide variety of solutions. However, it will help to simplify the search for a suitable model by understanding that, according to the principle of operation, all UPSs on the market are divided into only three types:
- off-line (offline UPS or standby UPS);
- line-interactive (line-interactive UPS);
- on-line (online UPS).
Offline UPSs have the most simplified scheme (compared to other types of uninterruptible power supplies), which, on the one hand, determines their budget price, but on the other hand, leads to a significant decrease in the functionality of protecting the load from network problems. Such devices are not able to improve the quality of electricity without switching to batteries, and by switching to them they form a non-sinusoidal signal.
Consider a hypothetical situation in which a pump designed for 220±10% V is connected to a classic offline UPS with a minimum input voltage of 165 V and a maximum of 275 V.
In this connection:
- all mains distortions that fall within the operating range of the "uninterruptible" (165-275 V) will be transferred to the load without any correction. Accordingly, a voltage with a value outside the permissible limits for it, for example, 170 V, can enter the pump input (the critical deviation for the pump is 10% of the nominal value, that is, 198-242 V).
- network distortions that go beyond the operating range of the “uninterruptible” will lead to its switching to offline mode. When operating on batteries, the device will supply a non-sinusoidal voltage to the pump.
The result in both situations considered will be either the operation of the pump with a decrease in power, or a complete stop.In the worst case, the device may also fail.
Thus, the scope of offline UPS is limited to equipment that is not demanding on the quality of the input voltage, so these products are not suitable for working with a circulation pump.
Line-interactive UPSs have a built-in voltage regulator that allows you to stabilize input fluctuations without switching to batteries. In addition, some UPSs of this type are capable of delivering voltage with a sinusoidal form in offline mode.
Nevertheless, line-interactive "uninterruptible" devices, even with a sinusoidal output, are not the best solution for ensuring the autonomy of the circulation pump.
The fact is that they, like offline models, at the moment of switching to batteries, cut off the power supply to the load, and even a minimal interruption in the power supply is undesirable for the pump. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the operation of the built-in regulator in such products leads to stepwise fluctuations in the output voltage, which again negatively affects such a sensitive load as a circulation pump.
The maximum level of protection for the circulation pump (as well as for any other equipment) can only be provided by online UPS.
Such devices are based on double energy conversion technology, which allows:
- receive a stable output voltage with a nominal value and a sinusoidal shape both when operating from the network and when the load is powered by batteries;
- instantly switch to offline mode, eliminating even the transient effect of a network disturbance on the connected equipment.
The main criteria for selecting a UPS for a circulation pump
It is necessary to select a UPS for a circulation pump based on the following characteristics:
- type - the best solution would be to use an online device;
- number of phases - in accordance with the operating voltages of the network and the pump,
possible options:
- single-phase network / single-phase pump (standard domestic situation) - single-phase UPS;
- three-phase network / three-phase pump (typical for industry) - three-phase UPS;
- three-phase network / single-phase pump (a similar situation may arise when not one, but three supply phases are supplied to the site or house at once) - a three-phase UPS and the pump is connected to one of the output phases of the device or a single-phase UPS connected to one of the phases of the mains, or UPS with 3:1 topology (three-phase input - single-phase output).
Note! Connecting any single-phase load to a separate phase of a three-phase network is always associated with the risk of phase imbalance, so such a connection should only be made after consulting a specialist. UPS with 3:1 topology provides uniform loading of all three input phases and thus eliminates the risk of distortion, however, such models are not available from all manufacturers.
Power
The UPS power must be equal to or greater than the maximum starting power of the pump. Exactly launcher, and not the power in the nominal mode, which is several times less. If the starting power parameter is not in the characteristics of the pump, then it should be clarified with the seller or manufacturer. Sometimes a soft starter is connected to the pump that reduces the starting energy consumption. In this case, the choice of "uninterruptible" should be made based on the characteristics of this device (in this case, we recommend using the help of a professional consultant).
Battery life
The duration of battery backup should cover the expected power outage at the pump site. As for the placement of batteries, there are two main concepts: a UPS with batteries inside the case and a UPS with external batteries (usually not included in the package and purchased separately by the user).It is worth noting that a number of manufacturers also offer a mixed solution - UPS with internal batteries that support the connection of additional external batteries.
Note! UPSs with built-in batteries are typically designed for short runtimes and are designed to operate during brief power outages. Devices with external batteries, on the contrary, can function autonomously for a long time period (if there are enough connected batteries).
Output voltage shape and accuracy (maximum deviation of the actual value from the required rating) - only UPS with an ideal sinusoid and an accuracy of ≤ 5% are suitable for the circulation pump, both when operating from the mains, and when operating from batteries.
Where to buy online UPS for circulation pump?
You can buy a UPS for a circulation pump in the official online store of the leading domestic manufacturer of power supply systems - Shtil Group of Companies. There you can find high-quality topology power supplies online, designed taking into account the peculiarities of domestic power networks and meeting all the above criteria.
The Shtil brand offers a wide range of online UPS for circulation pumps, including models of different capacities, designs and battery configurations. Uninterruptible power supplies from Shtil Group of Companies are designed to protect and uninterrupted power supply of both single-phase household pumps of low and medium power, and powerful circulation pumps for industrial use (including three-phase ones).
Note that the production of all Shtil UPS is carried out exclusively in Russia!
