Optimising the carbon footprint: It's the overall system that counts!

Shaping the world with technology – also tomorrow

For a more sustainable economy the European Union has set a clear target: By 2030 CO₂ emissions are to be reduced by 55 % and by 2050 they are to be reduced by 100 %. Leading-edge technology and technical innovations can help engineering contractors improve the carbon footprint and contribute significantly to achieving the above targets. 

A sector that still offers great potential for reducing CO₂ emissions is that of planning buildings. Did you know that the operation of buildings in Germany is responsible for about 35 % of the country's energy consumption and, consequently, about 30 % of the CO₂ emissions?* Apart from building measures (insulation) and the decarbonisation of fuels (oil, gas), building services play a key role in reducing these CO₂ emissions. 

Generally speaking, every system's carbon footprint can be optimised by making the system run as efficiently as possible. Its efficiency can be further increased if the system is versatile and can be adjusted to different operating scenarios. Last but not least, the system operator should bear in mind that the corporate carbon footprint (CCF) largely depends on the product carbon footprint (PCF) of each and every component used. 

With its EtaLine Pro KSB has launched an in-line pump on the market that not only meets this triad of requirements but leads the way in versatility and flexibility to a completely new era for planning and operating systems.

The new EtaLine Pro:
An in-line pump that changes everything

The new EtaLine Pro is a true multitalent and most likely the best in-line pump ever built. Its predecessor's components have been ruthlessly optimised, allowing no compromise when it comes to energy efficiency and sustainability. Intelligent control modes prevent unnecessary energy consumption. With its numerous setting and control options, EtaLine Pro covers a performance range that is larger than ever before. This enables EtaLine Pro to be operated at maximum efficiency within a much broader spectrum. What if the application parameters have changed? EtaLine Pro can be adjusted to the new requirements in no time at all. Replacing the entire pump is no longer necessary. By being this versatile, EtaLine Pro can also easily be integrated in other environments in a system (with the added benefit of extending its life cycle). 

The pump has been developed following the principle of multi-criteria optimisation based on a mathematical model. This means: Customers do not receive a pump optimised for one specific benefit but rather a pump with the best possible combination of eight identified main parameters (H/Q range covered, efficiency, noise level, costs, number of variants, speed, output per size and cavitation behaviour). EtaLine Pro is not the winner of one special discipline; it is the best pump when it comes to the interaction of all key disciplines.

In addition, EtaLine Pro has got an excellent product carbon footprint (PCF). To achieve this, a life cycle assessment was conducted to 

• evaluate the exact environmental impact of EtaLine Pro, 
• reduce it as far as possible through the design, 
• reduce the remaining CO₂ emissions
• and finally offset any emissions that cannot be avoided. 

Thanks to intelligent lightweight construction, the higher power density and the new type of motor with concentrated winding, significant material savings have been achieved. Taking the EtaLine Pro 65-65-90 as an example: compared to the previous, equivalent solution, 52 % less aluminium, 67 % less dynamo sheet metal and even 83 % less copper are used!

Future-proofing at the factory as standard

In the European Union water pumps are installed in large numbers, consuming large amounts of energy. The EU would like to take suitable measures to limit the energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. To do so, it issued Commission Regulation (EU) No. 547/2012 on 25 June 2012 regulating the ecodesign requirements on water pumps for pumping clean water. By implementing the respective directive, water pumps with poor efficiencies will be eliminated from the market. However, as the directive is already more than ten years old it is currently being revised. 

EtaLine Pro has been optimised as an overall system using the so-called EEI (energy efficiency index) approach. This means: Not only the efficiency of the hydraulic system has been optimised but an overall optimum of the efficiencies of hydraulic system, motor and electronics has been achieved. The pump is more than prepared for future EU commission regulations.

It satisfies the current ecodesign requirements regulated by EU 547/2012 and it will also fully meet the future EU Commission Regulation 547/202X. It is far ahead of the ErP Directive's requirements. 

Conclusion

The new EtaLine Pro has been developed to satisfy all aspects of sustainability. The materials used have been markedly reduced, the pump is produced in a carbon neutral way, and the material circularity indicator has been increased significantly. In addition, EtaLine Pro stands out with a maximum in versatility thanks to numerous setting and adjustment options. 

This is not the only reason. EtaLine Pro is the first choice for engineering contractors with a high demand on efficiency and sustainability. It is not to be forgotten that machinery and systems made in Germany are in demand worldwide. Even in the past, the large demand from abroad was based on the pump's state-of-the-art technology. Systems whose components are certified for sustainability and energy efficiency are easier to sell worldwide. This quality seal can be passed on as a selling argument, similar to a good carbon footprint.

Source: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/klima-energie/energiesparen/energiesparende-gebaeude#gebaude-wichtig-fur-den-klimaschutz