Optimization of Pump Station Operation Saves Energy and Reduces Carbon Footprint

In 2001 California spent 18,600 Gwh per year only on agricultural and water pumping (http://www.energy.ca.gov / electricity/ consumption_by_sector.html). In addition, pumping is widely used in power industry, HVAC, etc. Considering that each kw*hr of energy saving causes 0.537kg of carbon emission reduction, decrease of energy usage helps not only to improve the bottom line but also leads to reduction of carbon footprint. A new methodology has been developed for pump stations optimization. The methodology uses simultaneously generalized reduced gradient and genetic algorithms. The methodology allows optimization of any combination of constant speed and variable speed pumps. Implementation of this methodology at one pump station yielded reduction of energy usage as much 25% that was equal to more than $50,000 a year. Source: WEFTEC 2009 Proceedings