As a world class solutions provider and integrator, we seek out, test and prove new equipment solutions that take advantage of advanced automation technology which increases utility and chemical consumption efficiency and reduces labor to drive profits. We are a national leader integrating VFD technology with Drying Systems to reduce power consumption per car by 20%-40%.
It’s all about the proper application of the VFD technology to the car wash environment. The greater number of VFD application strategies you implement and how aggressively you deploy them is up to you with each having a direct impact on savings, payback time and performance. Centrifugal loads, such as fans and pumps, offer the greatest energy savings potential. Fortunately for us, our car washes are chock full of centrifugal loads. In fact, centrifugal loads represent the vast majority of our motor horsepower; Dryer Fan Motors, Water Pump Motors, Vacuum Pump Motors and Air Compressor Pump Motors.
We have proven success applying and programming VFD motor control for dying systems. Up to 40% power usage savings have been achieved and sustained by taking the unused top end motor speed off the dryers, merchandising the dryer with our customers’ packages – good, better, best – and slowing motor speed down in the warm months when it’s easier to dry. We call it “3 Ways to Save”.
Speed Tune™ – tweak the top speed of the drying system just like dialing in your chemicals – 57 Hz or 95% motor speed for 14% savings
Service Tune™ – merchandise Good-Better-Best drying like Good-Better-Best washing; savings range from a two cents per car on the top package to fifteen cents per car on the base package – horse power and volume dependent.
Temp Tune™ – slow down dryer speed in warm weather. Savings range up from a penny per car depending on what other measures are also being used.
New or retrofit, the payback is less than three years. Collateral savings are enjoyed from demand penalty reductions while acquisition cost is sometimes offset by governmental and utility incentives.