Pumps are widely used to transfer fluids for processing applications, supply water and process wastewater, provide fluid circulation in cooling systems and provide the motive force in hydraulic systems. In fact, virtually all manufacturing plants, commercial buildings and municipalities rely on pumping systems for their daily operation. After motors, pumps are the second most widely used machine in the world.

In the United States industrial sector, electric motor systems consume over 679 billion kWh of electricity per year, with pumping systems accounting for about 25 percent of that total (DOE 1998 and revalidated by ACEEE, April 2003). In addition, according to the U.S. Industrial Motor Systems Market Opportunities Assessment performed by the U.S. Department of Energy, pumps are the largest opportunity for energy efficiency improvements in industry.

Optimization of pumping systems represents a significant opportunity for U.S. companies and municipalities to save money and energy while reducing maintenance costs and increasing productivity.  Case studies have shown that better system design and more effective application of pumps can usually save 20% or more in energy costs and represent a large, frequently overlooked savings opportunity.

Potential industrial energy-saving opportunities by type of installed equipment

Source: U.S. Department of Energy