Energy Savings with Turbo Blower Technology
BENEFITS TO YOUR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT (WWTP):
- 40% REDUCTION in energy costs
- NO noise
- SMALL footprint
- MINIMAL Maintenance
The typical WWTP uses 40% of its overall energy consumption in its aeration process. Positive displacement or multistage centrifugal blowers are two technologies that are utilized for process aeration. These technologies, while proven, are energy intensive. These technologies are also noise and maintenance intensive.
Valentine Environmental Engineers designed the expansion and upgrades to the Arizona American Water Company Wishing Well Water Reclamation Facility (AAWC). The facility was equipped with a small blower room and conventional blower technology. The WRF aeration capacity was being doubled but the available space did not increase. The new conventional blowers to meet the increased capacity could not fit in the building, exceeded available electrical supply and would require HVAC modifications to the building to evacuate the additional heat load from the new, larger conventional blowers.
Valentine and AAWC investigated the problem from all angles and the challenges presented to determine the best use of space and more modern technology.
Case Study: Arizona American Water Company Wishing Well WRF
The Solution
The dawn of the Turbo Blower Technology has revolutionized the process air blower supply for WWTPs. Turbo blowers are not only quiet and require a small footprint, they are more efficient than conventional blowers and offer greater turndown capabilities.
Turbo blower technology has its roots from the aviation and aerospace industry. This technology relies on an air foil bearing supported on a shaft that is directly integrated with the variable frequency drive, motor and control system in a single enclosure. The air foil bearing eliminates friction between the bearing and the shaft and thus improves the efficiency of the blower while allowing 40% turndown capability.
Success with the Turbo Blower Technology
Valentine and AAWC investigated the Turbo Blower Technology to resolve all of the project issues:
- Ability to install turbo blowers in existing space without having to expand the building
- No requirement for additional electrical power due to the efficiency of the units and requires less installed hp overall
- No HVAC retrofits required as blowers produce virtually no heat and can function at temperatures of 120 F
The blowers reduced overall construction and operations costs. Turbo Blower Technology is significantly more efficient than conventional blowers. You will save on energy costs, decrease noise, reduce your footprint and reduce your maintenance costs with newer methods.
Other turbo blower retrofits that Valentine Environmental Engineers designed:
- Corrections Corporation of America Eloy Detention Center – three new 50 hp blowers
- City of Scottsdale Gainey Ranch – replacing three existing 75 hp blowers with three new 50 hp turbo blowers, 6.7 year payback, $50,000 annual energy savings
- City of Scottsdale Water Campus – replacing two existing 400 hp blowers with three new 250 hp blowers, 3.4 year payback, $200,000 annual energy savings
- Other projects in the design phase for City of Tempe and City of Peoria
