VFD Controlled Pumps Help Keep Barges Afloat

Optidrive E3 variable frequency drives (VFDs) from Invertek Drives have completely automated the control of pumps used to fill and empty ballast tanks on board commercial barges in the Netherlands.

As well as a faster and more reliable filling and emptying process, operators of commercial vessels that use VFD controlled ballast pumps also benefit from less fuel and energy consumption, which also saves money. 

Automated control of the tanks mean they are emptied as soon as the excess weight is not needed which reduces drag, while controlling the pump speed and starting / stopping reduces the peak load on the vessel’s electrical system.

According to its developer, the Optidrive E3 from Invertek delivers reliability, high performance and efficiency in a compact, easy to use unit suitable for marine environments. Available in enclosure ratings IP20 and IP66, Optidrive E3 offers conformal coating and is designed to operate trouble-free in the 50°C temperatures frequently found in environments such as vessel engine rooms.

John van der Lugt, Sales Manager at Hiflex, Invertek’s sales partner in the Netherlands, explained, “We were approached by VDE Marine, who designed the automated solution to control the ballast pumps made and installed by its customer De Groot Diesel Marine Services.”

The frequency of bridges on the Netherlands’ canal network means the tanks need to be filled and emptied again as quickly and easily as possible, while the volume of water used meant VDE Marine needed a high-performance variable speed drive capable of consistently controlling the 11kW motor. 

“It is simply not practical to manually control the pumps every time the tanks need filling or emptying,” John said. “Remote control ensures the pumps can be activated from inside the wheelhouse via the Optidrive E3 without the operator having to physically start and stop them.”

Thanks to the remote control functionality, the barge’s operator is able to switch the AC inverter on and off, change the setting on the pump from full to empty, amend the pump speed, and open and close the valve relay whenever required using the drive output relay.

When the valve is being closed, the Optidrive E3 drive controls the pump speed to ensure water from the river or canal does not flow back in to the ballast tank.

Variable frequency drives, including DNV accredited products, from Invertek Drives are used in a number of motor control applications including a wide variety of operations in the marine industry such as winches, pumps, cranes, bow thrusters and compressors.

John said, “The pump motor, controlled by the Optidrive E3, enables 1.1 million liters of water to be pumped every hour if required. The complete system was commissioned before being fitted on the barge to ensure the on-board installation was as quick and simple as possible.”

He continued, “The first installation was so successful that VDE Marine’s customer has ordered additional drives to enable it to supply a completely automated solution for filling and emptying ballast tanks destined for a range of commercial vessels.”

Pump control system specification: