Maximizing Blower Efficiency: Selection & Operation

November 15, 2023
Maximizing Blower Efficiency: Selection & Operation

When it comes to purchasing and operating blowers, it's important to look beyond horsepower ratings and consider the actual power consumption in watts. That's what you're really paying for! At IAS, we understand the significance of electricity costs, especially when motors run continuously. That's why we recommend comparing the work being done to the power consumed in watts, rather than getting fooled by low horsepower ratings on electric equipment.

You may have come across air blowers and water pumps with lower horsepower ratings compared to other equipment of the same size. The trick here is to use an undersized, low-cost, high-service factor motor to imply superior performance. However, this smaller motor has to work harder to get the job done. While it may handle temporary overload conditions, it's not reliable for continuous duty. In fact, it will consume more electricity, operate at higher temperatures, and have a shorter lifespan compared to a larger 1.0 service factor motor performing the same work.

FPZ blowers are designed to run cooler because they utilize the correct motor service factor for the continuous duty work they perform. We prioritize efficiency and reliability, ensuring that our blowers deliver exceptional performance while minimizing energy consumption.

To help you optimize the operation of your blower, we have some useful tips to share:

1. Bleed off excess air:

Whenever possible, remove as much excess air as you can without compromising the required airflow. This practice not only helps the blower run cooler but also reduces power consumption.

2. Address air filter cleanliness:

In environments where the ambient air is heavily contaminated with dust, bird feathers, or other debris, the blower's air filter may require frequent cleaning. To minimize maintenance, consider placing a sock over the filter. Remember to change the sock regularly to maintain optimal airflow and filtration efficiency.

3. Timely replacement and maintenance:

In critical animal life support applications or any scenario where the blower operates continuously for three years, we recommend purchasing a new blower and replacing the motor bearings of the original blower. Operate the original unit for a month to ensure that the work is done correctly, and then switch back to the new blower. By keeping the original blower as a backup, you can ensure uninterrupted operation and peace of mind.

4.  Use Variable Frequency Drives to Maximize Blower Efficiency:

Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) are commonly used on motors to electronically control speed and output efficiency.  VFDs help keep motors running in the best efficiency point (BEP), keeping motors operating quieter, cooler, and longer.  We recommend using VFDs on regenerative blowers for these reasons which add up to additional energy and cost savings in the long run.

While measuring watts requires a watt meter, you can estimate watt consumption using the following formulas:

Single phase watts = volts x amps x power factor.
Three phase watts = volts x amps x 1.73 x power factor.

Keep in mind that the power factor of a fully loaded electric motor is approximately 0.9. However, this value decreases significantly as the load on the motor reduces.

IAS offers FPZ Regenerative Blowers, which provide excellent performance and energy efficiency. By choosing the right blowers, you're making a smart investment that ensures reliable operation, reduced electricity costs, and extended product lifespan.

Contact IAS today to learn more about our regenerative blowers and aeration accessories available for aquaculture and how they can benefit your specific application. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in selecting the right solution tailored to your needs.