Energy
VFD Energy Savings Calculator
Estimate energy and cost savings from reducing centrifugal pump or fan speed with a variable frequency drive.
Represents electrical losses through the variable frequency drive.
Annual Energy Savings
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Estimated electricity reduction based on the centrifugal pump and fan affinity laws.
Estimated new input power
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Power reduction
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Power reduction
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Existing annual energy use
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Estimated VFD energy use
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Annual energy savings
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Energy reduction
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Existing annual electricity cost
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Estimated annual VFD cost
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Annual cost savings
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Method:
For suitable centrifugal pumps and fans, the affinity laws approximate power as proportional to the cube of rotational speed:
P₂ / P₁ =
(N₂ / N₁)³
The theoretical reduced-speed power is therefore:
P₂,theoretical =
P₁ ×
(N₂ / N₁)³
The calculator then allows for VFD electrical losses:
P₂,input =
P₂,theoretical ÷
VFD Efficiency
Annual energy use is:
Energy =
Input Power × Operating Hours
Annual energy savings are:
Savings =
Existing Energy − VFD Energy
Annual cost savings are:
Cost Savings =
Energy Savings × Electricity Tariff
This affinity-law model is most appropriate for variable-torque centrifugal pump and fan applications where system resistance is predominantly frictional.
Real systems may save less where significant static head or static pressure exists, where flow does not vary directly with speed, or where the existing system already operates with efficient control.
Motor efficiency may also change at reduced speed and load. For investment-grade analysis, use measured operating profiles, pump or fan curves, system curves, motor efficiency data and actual VFD performance.
This method should not be applied directly to constant-torque loads such as many conveyors, positive-displacement pumps and similar equipment.
