DC pumps:huge power savings, really?

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by mark

Sphelps, 4m and 4000l/h @ 85w still sounds to good to be true as that 3-4X the efficiency of the Reeflo

I run two of the waveline 10000s and I some what agree that perhaps the flow-rate is exaggerated but I also use to think the power consumption was higher due to how hot the power supplies would get but after measuring the actual power consumption to be right on the money (85W full power) I seem to think the flow rate is likely accurate as well. I'm not sure why the manufacturer would lie about it. However what the pump curve really looks is probably key here, I just drew a typical curve line to give an idea what it probably looks like, doesn't mean it's accurate. Worst case you could draw a linear line, I've never seen a centrifugal pump do worse than linear.

If someone hasn't tested these pumps before my next sump break down I might do a little test to see what these pumps actually put out but until them I'm pretty satisfied with manufacture specs being accurate.

[StirCrazy]

Dc pumps use less power for the same work. I know this is true because of what we were taught in ac/dc motors and i have seen the difference in my new furnace. We replaced and ac fan furnace with a dc powered fan furnace. I run my fan 24/7 365 days a year to try keep the basmemt and up stairs reasonably close in temps and what we have seen is a 20 buck a month drop in the power bill with no other changes.

So if you have the option of going dc do it. Aside from the lower power consumption the fine speed controle is better.
Steve

[Baldy]

Originally Posted by Parker

This thread might be worth a read regarding the Wavelines, not sure if the issues have been addressed.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2221830

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Not really, you can get VFD's (variable frequency drives) to control AC pumps. A lot of commercial/industrial buildings use this method for their pumps and fans to cut down on energy costs. Small VFD's have come down in price a lot but whether the cost of adding one would save you any money in the long run or not I couldn't say, and not at all if you are just going to run the pump at 100% all day long. Not all motors are VFD compatible either so that is something else to confirm. If I were starting from scratch and needed a return pump I would go with a DC model if it was as capable as a similarily priced AC pump in an instant.

It would be really interesting to see the cost and performance numbers for a vfd and 3 phase pump setup. Even if you run it at 100% 3 phase motors are more efficient, and run smoother and quieter than single phase motors. A vfd would still be needed at 100% to change single phase power to 3 phase. I've looked around online for something like this, but haven't found anything.

[sphelps]

I really only purchased the wavelines for the ability to control them externally with 0-10V when a new controller would be released. Kind of annoying it seems I'll have to buy two new pumps if I want that feature. Looks like a completely new design as well so current versions will probably be discontinued along with any hopes of obtaining replacement parts, also annoying seeing how they just came out, literally.

Some of these companies need to do proper R&D and testing prior to releasing products to the public. We're not your beta testers.

[FragIt Dan]

The link that Parker posted up made reference to the expectation of an easy hack to make the 10000's 0-10v controllable. I agree it is not good of them and think it is BS... but making the best of the existing situation perhaps with a mod you wouldn't have to replace them. I understand the controller can be unplugged from the pump? If this is the case the new controller with the RJ45 should be an easy swap onto your existing pump, assuming they make the plugs the same. Just and idea.
Dan

Originally Posted by sphelps

I really only purchased the wavelines for the ability to control them externally with 0-10V when a new controller would be released. Kind of annoying it seems I'll have to buy two new pumps if I want that feature. Looks like a completely new design as well so current versions will probably be discontinued along with any hopes of obtaining replacement parts, also annoying seeing how they just came out, literally.

Some of these companies need to do proper R&D and testing prior to releasing products to the public. We're not your beta testers.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by mark

I'd be happy at 100W, just wondering the ~6000l/h at 5m head.

Mark, there's obviously a mistake on the website, at 5m head you get zero flow. We discussed this in a previous thread but here's an adjusted pump curve that I believe is more realistic.