Bluescape Water Solutions

SOLAR BOREHOLE AND BOOSTER PUMPS

The energy produced by the sun, often known as solar power, may be used in a variety of methods to turn the sun’s beams into electricity.

 

Solar energy is transformed into electricity and sent to a pump that circulates water using a solar water pump.
 
Solar pumps can be utilized for irrigation and pivot applications in boreholes, swimming pools, fountains, and bigger agricultural projects.
 
Solar pumps are an ecologically responsible and cost-effective way to pump water for a variety of household and commercial applications, as well as agricultural and residential irrigation and/or cattle or livestock watering.
 
Another significant benefit is that a solar pump is very quiet.
 
Solar pumps are self-contained pumping devices that provide a water supply option for homes or businesses that are typically located in places without access to traditional electrical energy, such as a grid or a generator, such as tiny communities or farms with widely spread pastures.
 
It is also suitable for eco-friendly residences or homes in drought-stricken areas that rely on boreholes for water supplies.
The solar pump is one of the most effective solutions to South Africa’s electricity difficulties since it makes use of the sun’s abundant free energy.
 
Solar pumps are simple to install, need little maintenance, and have a lifespan of around 20 years. This implies that their serving expenses are minimal beyond the initial setup fees.
 
The solar pump’s changeable flow rate is mostly governed by the brightness and direction of the sun. You must check that the solar water pump you select is appropriate for your system and application.
 
The solar array captures UV rays from the sun and turns them into useful power using an MPPT controller. The devices can also be fitted with an auxiliary AC input for generator or grid power.

The Advantages of Solar Water Pumps for Ground Water

 
Solar surface and bore pumps are ideal for use in many South African environments – after all, many of the most remote areas in this country get plenty of sunshine. Solar pumps are a popular choice for watering livestock, crop irrigation, industrial water supply and even residential and swimming pool applications. So what are the benefits?
 
Solar panels can be reliable, even in regional and remote areas.
They make an ideal choice when grid power is irregular or unavailable. When properly serviced and maintained and with adequate water storage, solar pumps offer great reliability. Some systems even offer apps to help you remotely monitor performance and flow rate.
 
They have extremely low operating costs.
One of the major advantages of a solar pump is that its energy comes straight from the sun, lowering operating costs and its environmental footprint. Solar panels may even be eligible for technology certificates from the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme that can help recoup purchase costs.
 
They’re easy to transport and relocate.
Need to move a large amount of stock, or change your pump location based on the seasons? Depending on your system and site, solar water pump systems can be shifted relatively easily.
 
Solar pumps are generally low-maintenance.
Upkeep is typically minimal compared to grid power or generators – an important factor when these pumps are often used hundreds of kilometres from service bases. If PV panels lose efficiency, they can be replaced separately to the whole system.
 
Productivity increases in times of need.
When it’s hot and sunny people tend to use more water, and livestock will hang closer to water troughs. A solar water pump moves more water in sunny weather and slows appropriately when it’s overcast or raining, with the option to store a backup supply if your storage tank is adequately sized.
 

The possibilities for solar pump systems

Solar panels can be designed in almost any configuration, including borehole or surface configurations and with centrifugal or positive displacement pumps. Surface pumps work well for dams, tanks, creeks and ponds as long as the pump can be located under 6 metres above the water level. Borehole or submersible pumps can perform very effectively with solar panels as long as the system is correctly planned.
 
In less sunny areas there may be a benefit in installing a passive (non-motorised) or active (motorised) tracker that will shift the PV panel to gain the most energy as the day progresses. Generators or batteries can also be integrated into the system as a backup for cooler days.
 
Of course, the reliability and performance of your solar pump depends on the quality of your pump service.
 
To enquire about an onsite or in-house pump service for your solar pumps, contact the Bluescape Water Solutions team on 021 001 4265.

Solar Swimming Pool Pumps

Energy Efficiency:

  • Solar pool pumps operate similarly to regular grid-connected pumps, but they harness the power of the sun instead of relying on household electricity. By using solar energy, you reduce your dependence on the grid and contribute to a more sustainable pool system.

Booster Pumps & VSD Drives

 

A variable speed drive (also known as a VSD, variable frequency drive, VFD, adjustable speed drive, inverter, converter or simply, ‘a drive’) is a device which is used to control the speed or torque generated by an electric motor.

Basic Function:

A VSD sits between the electrical supply and the motor. It regulates the power fed to the motor. The input power from the electrical supply passes through a rectifier, converting AC power to DC power. Capacitors inside the drive smooth out the electrical waveform, providing a clean power supply.

The DC power then flows to the inverter, which converts it back to AC power for the motor.

By adjusting the frequency and voltage, the VSD allows the motor to operate at different speeds or torques based on process demands.
Using VSDs can lead to significant energy savings, reduced maintenance costs, and environmental benefits

Applications:

VSDs are commonly used in various applications, including:

Pumps: Controlling flow rates efficiently.

Benefits:

Energy Savings: VSDs allow motors to operate at optimal speeds, reducing energy consumption.

Cost Reduction: Lower maintenance costs and improved efficiency.
Environmental Impact: VSDs contribute to meeting environmental goals.

Labour Efficiency: Automated start-up processes save time and labour.

Customization: Tailor motor performance to specific requirements.

Vertical Multistage Pumps

 

A vertical multistage pump is a type of centrifugal pump that consists of multiple impellers stacked vertically. These pumps are commonly used when higher pressures are required in various applications. Let me provide you with some details about vertical multistage pumps:

Sulzer VMS Vertical Multistage Pump

Main Benefits:
Highest Efficiency: The VMS pump offers energy savings due to its high efficiency. Low NPSHR (Net Positive Suction Head Required): This value ensures reliable operation even under challenging conditions.
Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials, the VMS pump has a long lifespan.

Applications:

  • Municipal water supply and distribution
  • Domestic water supply
  • Cooling water transport
  • Hot water applications
  • Firefighting
  • Food, chemical, and process industry
  • Irrigation

Design Features:

  • Modular construction with a wide range of options
  • Eco-design for sustainability
  • Noise reduction through optimized flow profiles and motor cooling fan design
  • Maintenance-free electric motor
  • Stainless steel base for water quality preservation

Water Pressure Tanks

 

What Is a Pressure Tank?

A pressure tank consists of a diaphragm or bladder that divides the tank into two sections:

The compressed air section (located in the upper part for vertical tanks).

The water section (situated in the lower part for vertical tanks).

As the pump pushes water into the tank, it compresses the air inside the diaphragm.

When water valves are opened in your house, the compressed air forces the water out of the tank toward your faucets and fixtures.

The pressure tank works alongside a pressure switch, which turns the pump on or off based on the pressure level.

Advantages of Pressure Tanks:

Acts as a water reservoir, allowing water to be drawn from the tank without the pump cycling excessively. This protects and prolongs the pump’s lifespan.
Controls water pressure, reducing air in the pipes and minimizing water hammering.

Sizing a Pressure Tank:

Larger tanks are generally better because they reduce pump cycling.

To size a tank, consider the following:

  • Pump flow rate (in liters per minute, L/min).
  • Minimum runtime for the pump.
  • Cut-on and cut-off pressure.

Calculate the drawdown (the amount of water available in the tank between pump cycles):
Drawdown = Runtime × Flow rate.

Note that drawdown is usually less than the tank capacity.