Efficient control is often the most cost-effective option to improve on the running cost of a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. However, the effect of changing the control strategy (i.e. on energy consumption) is usually difficult to predict. To obtain this information more easily, a new simulation tool, QUICKcontrol, was developed. This new tool was used to investigate the energy cost savings potential in a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. The influence of pump scheduling, dam level set points, control parameters and different combinations thereof was investigated. The simulation models were firstly verified with measurements obtained from the existing system to confirm their accuracy for realistic control retrofit simulations. With the aid of the integrated simulation tool it was possible to predict savings of R 195'000 per year with an average 3.8 MW of load shifted. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Efficient control is often the most cost-effective option to improve on the running cost of a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. However, the effect of changing the control strategy (i.e. on energy consumption) is usually difficult to predict. To obtain this information more easily, a new simulation tool, QUICKcontrol, was developed. This new tool was used to investigate the energy cost savings potential in a Three-Pipe Water Pumping System. The influence of pump scheduling, dam level set points, control parameters and different combinations thereof was investigated. The simulation models were firstly verified with measurements obtained from the existing system to confirm their accuracy for realistic control retrofit simulations. With the aid of the integrated simulation tool it was possible to predict savings of R 195'000 per year with an average 3.8 MW of load shifted. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.