Whether for the simple visual pleasure, to cultivate your own fruits and vegetables, or to create a haven of peace, the garden is a space where we invest time and love. But to maintain it, especially for irrigation, we sometimes use energy-hungry tools… like submersible pumps.
A smarter use of these pumps could make a difference on your electricity bill and your impact on our planet.
SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS, WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT EXACTLY? Before diving into details, let’s briefly recall what a submersible pump is. This machine, as the name suggests, operates underwater, usually in wells or drillings to extract groundwater. It’s like a vacuum cleaner for water. It extracts water from a certain depth and lifts it for use as needed.
Why not use a regular pump that stays outside? Because they are more efficient for greater depths: they don’t need to fight atmospheric pressure to suction water, which gives them an advantage in terms of power.
But, like any electrical appliance, they consume electricity. And that’s where things get complicated. If we don’t pay attention to how we use them, they can quickly become voracious energy consumers.
CHOOSE AN ECO-ENERGETIC MODEL, WHY AND HOW? When we think about buying a device, the first criterion that usually comes to mind is not its energy efficiency. Rather its power, design, or price… But it’s a bit like choosing a car just for its color and ignoring its fuel consumption. In the case of submersible pumps, energy consumption is a factor to consider.
Signs of an eco-energetic pump:
- Energy efficiency label: check if the pump has a label indicating its energy efficiency. In many countries, these labels classify devices according to their consumption. The higher the grade, the more eco-energetic the device.
- High-performance motor: some models of submersible pumps are equipped with high-performance motors that consume less electricity to perform the same task.
- Progressive start technology: instead of starting at full power, these pumps gradually increase their power, thus reducing the peak energy consumption at startup.
Investment vs. Long-term Savings: Let’s not kid ourselves, eco-energetic models may be a bit more expensive initially. But it’s a long-term investment. Like an LED bulb that costs more than a conventional bulb but lasts longer and consumes less.
With an eco-energetic submersible pump, the savings on your electricity bill can quickly offset the higher initial cost. Plus, you know you’re contributing to protecting the environment.
CONSIDER VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES Ideally, you should be able to adjust your submersible pump like you would adjust the volume of music: louder when you need a boost and softer during a moment of relaxation. This is exactly what variable speed drives can offer to your pump.
This device allows regulating the speed of an electric motor by modifying the power of the electric current that feeds it.
Solar Energy, Why Not? Instead of relying on grid electricity, the pump can also be connected to solar panels. These capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity, which is then used to power the pump.
Advantages:
- Reducing the electricity bill is one of the most obvious benefits. But there’s more:
- A solar submersible pump doesn’t depend on the grid, so even in case of a power outage, it will continue to function (as long as there’s sunlight).
- For those who enjoy tranquility, these pumps are generally quieter than their traditional counterparts.
- By using solar energy, you significantly reduce your CO2 emissions.
Some drawbacks to consider:
- Their efficiency depends, unsurprisingly, on the amount of available sunlight. On cloudy days or during less sunny seasons, performance may decrease.
- Additionally, the initial investment to purchase solar panels may be higher. But, over time, this amount will be offset by savings on electricity bills.
