A correction was made to BG 12/2011 on 06/08/2022. In the pump affinity laws in section 3.2, on page 6 of the guide, the squared symbol was missing from the second equation and the cubed symbol was missing from the third equation. These have now been added. All pdfs downloaded after 06/08/2022 reflect this correction. Customers who downloaded a pdf of the guide before this date can request a corrected pdf.
Overview
The Guide is a result of a BSRIA's research project carried out in collaboration with BRE and the industry partners including Danfoss, Frese, Belimo, SAV UK, Andrew Reid & Partners, Crane Fluid, Herz Valves and Grundfos.
It recognises that the potential for pump energy savings is substantial. Europump (a pan European association of pump manufacturers) estimate that systems could be 30 to 50% more energy efficient by careful consideration of components, design and installation. Indeed our research has shown that a potential energy saving of 80% is achievable between the worst operating constant flow systems and the best designed variable flow systems.
Furthermore, in heating and cooling applications a lack of regard for pump energy may lead to missed energy savings elsewhere. For example, excess flows tend to lower system temperature differentials, thereby reducing the effectiveness of some low energy (or low carbon) heating and cooling sources.
Essentially this guide provides recommendations for building services designers on the design of energy-efficient pumping systems. However, it will be invaluable to a broader group including manufacturers, contractors and end-users who will benefit from being able to design, install, select and manage more efficient systems.
The recommendations presented in this guide, based on extensive research supported by BRE and the industry, and focus on:
- Pump energy fundamentals
- Pipe sizing
- Pipe layout
- System control issues
- Commissioning issues
Please note there has been an amendment to the original PDF download - Please click on Amendments and corrections for more details. The PDF download is now correct.