Technology and SCADA Efficiencies: Energy Saving Investigation Process

What do the icons below mean?

• Key to the operation of a successful advanced energy management strategy is the close and persistent review of pumping and energy data. While many SCADA systems are adept at general plant operations, an advanced system requires more analysis of the situations at hand, and must make more complex decisions, as well as provide more comprehensive reporting and alarming features. We call this SCADA 2.0. Presented below are some of the SCADA 2.0 process and related control strategies:
  • Typical SCADA operation based on the usual reservoir set points.
  • Off Peak Mode Run everything off-peak if reservoirs allow (can eliminate power charge—Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) Rates 6B, 8, 9, or reduce energy charge—Rate 6A).
  • Off Peak—Load Factor Mode Run everything off-peak if reservoirs allow, but pump the entire off-peak period at lower flows (can eliminate power charge—RMP Rates 6B, 8, 9, and reduce energy charge for all rates).
  • Load Factor Mode Fill the entire day with as few pumps as possible (or run smaller pumps) or reduce Hz on VFDs (can significantly reduce energy charge and power charge).
  • Efficiency Failover Mode Option If #2 or #3 fails, then switch to #4. Additional Option: If #4 fails, then switch to #1.
  • The SCADA system reviews continuous pump efficiency, with GPM per kw, and gallons per kwh (or kwh per MG), as well as Power Factor monitoring data and presents historical trend charts and alerts. (Note: Some power and energy monitoring equipment upgrades may be necessary).
  • Provides detailed reports to alert for possible water loss, problems, etc.
• Implement energy and power monitoring reporting (i.e., Specific Energy and Power) into the SCADA system to better monitor the performance of pumping systems. This will allow for more rapid reporting of pump failure or blockage by rocks or debris in an impeller or impeller wear, significantly reducing its efficiency, or motor malfunction.
• Through the proper implementation of an Asset Management system and a GIS
  system; provide geographically accurate infrastructure information and maintenance history to empower staff with the data necessary to make timely repairs, reduce travel, and improve maintenance decisions.
• Have proper power backup generators and equipment available so key infrastructure can be operated in an emergency. Backup all SCADA, security, and critical control systems at key locations using a small backup generator and/or UPS system if necessary.
• Move more critical computer server applications into the “cloud” as they become available and more mature, reducing local costs of hardware management, software maintenance, as well as energy costs, as well as providing better data backups.
• Install “water bug” type water leak detection devices on all SCADA sites to enable staff to react quickly to any type of facility leak or water loss promptly.
• Develop and practice backup procedures for failed SCADA systems (i.e., communication loss plans), etc.
• Basic SCADA reports:
  • Daily Consumption—net reservoirs, etc.
  • Hourly Consumption, as above.
  • Pump performance data.
  • Power quality data.
  • Use the SCADA data gathered efficiently and properly.
• Important SCADA Efficiency Data to gather at plants and pumping facilities:
  • • Amps
    • Volts
    • VARs
    • Kilowatts
    • Kilowatt hours
    • KVAR hours
    • Power Factor
    • THD
    • Well Drawdown
    • Well Specific Capacity Calculation; gpm/foot
    • Specific Power Calculation; kw/gpm or mgd
    • Specific Energy Calculation; kwh/gallon or KG or MG
  • Rate Cost Data—What does a pump cost per day, month, year, etc.?
• Tie real time SCADA data into a dynamic water model.
• Tie real time SCADA data into an asset management or work order system, where work orders are issued automatically based on equipment run metrics, i.e., run hours, gallons pumped, etc.
• Record system pressures at key points and in PRV stations, etc. See real time performance in emergencies, pipeline breaks, etc., pinpoint trouble areas for potential cross connections, etc.
• Provide higher levels of infrastructure security and intrusion detection. Use IP video in high risk areas.
• Using the above data and resources, predict areas for future improvements and repairs.