The energy performance of a pump system is influenced by a number of factors. These typically include the pump efficiency, the flow rate (e.g. variable vs. constant), the type of flow control (throttling vs. variable speed) and the number of hours that the pump is operating. Other factors also include the motor efficiency at full load, which depends on the type of motor (i.e. standard efficiency, energy efficient or premium efficiency), the motor capacity, and the load factor (i.e. the ratio of the average load during operating hours over the full load capacity). Refer to the Pump-Motor System Schematic for more information.

Software & Data
The RETScreen Software Pump Model can be used worldwide to evaluate the energy use and savings, costs, emission reductions, financial viability and risk for pump energy efficiency measures. The software can model a wide variety of projects in industrial and other types of facilities ranging from replacement of throttling flow control valves with variable speed drives (VSD), to pump operation time reduction for storage applications, to improved pump system designs including flow reduction, improved pump efficiency, correctly sized pumps and motors, and pump operation at their best efficiency point (BEP). The model also calculates the cross-effects of other energy efficiency measures employed in the facility (e.g. heating and cooling impact of installing premium efficiency motors). The software (available in multiple languages) also includes product, project and climate databases, and a detailed user manual.

Click here to download RETScreen 4 (36 MB).

Training material
Pumps and Pumping Systems - UNEP - Presentation slides (2.79 MB)
Pumps and Pumping Systems - UNEP - Speaker's notes (34 KB)
Pumps and Pumping Systems - UNEP - Workshop exercise (28 KB)
Pumps and Pumping Systems - UNEP - Quiz (20 KB)

e-Textbook / Guides
Pumps and Pumping Systems - UNEP - Guide (497 KB)
Energy-Efficient Motor Systems Assessment Guide (4.77 MB)
Fans and Pumps - Guide (3.44 MB)
Premium-Efficiency Motors - Technical fact sheet (195 KB)
Use of VFD for Fan and Pump Control - Technical fact sheet (267 KB)

Case studies / Templates
Energy efficiency - Commercial - MNECB
Energy efficiency measures - Commercial - Pumps - Variable speed / Germany
Energy efficiency measures - Industrial - Pumps