Energy-efficient modernisation of the pumping station in Basel
Sustainable drinking water supply through innovative technology
In Basel, where the focus is increasingly on resource-saving infrastructure projects, the company IWB (Industrielle Werke Basel) has comprehensively modernised the Lange Erlen pumping station to meet the increasing energy requirements and increase security of supply. The existing pumping station from the 1960s could no longer efficiently handle the maximum water demand of up to 100 million litres per day. Taking this into consideration, it was decided to construct a new building that is integrated into the Lange Erlen ground water extraction area.
A comprehensive energy concept as a basis
The aim of the project was to create a sustainable overall solution that optimises energy consumption and operating costs. To this end, the company IWB developed a comprehensive energy concept that modelled various pumping strategies for the drinking water tanks to achieve optimum energy efficiency. The measure included the replacement of outdated equipment and targeted planning to reduce energy demand by using new technologies and innovative control systems.
Innovative pump solutions and implementation with Wilo
The company Wilo Schweiz AG supplied and installed four Wilo-VeroNorm NPG 300/500 type pumps, each with a flow of 300 litres per second and a delivery head of 74 metres. These pumps achieve an efficiency of 88% at the best point and are equipped with the innovative Ceram CT coating, which ensures durability and high efficiency. Schneider Electric supported the project by supplying smart control systems for power distribution as well as frequency converters to enable flexible and energy-efficient control.
Intelligent control to optimise resource utilisation
Modernisation include both the installation of new Wilo pumps and the implementation of a specially developed management software. This software continuously analyses input parameters such as weather data and operating plans to calculate and adjust the operating setpoints of the pumping stations from the resulting drinking water forecast. This achieves uniform and efficient management of the networks and tanks, which serves optimal drinking water hygiene, reduces energy demand and operating costs.
Demonstrable increase in efficiency and energy savings
After commissioning, comprehensive performance tests were carried out. These confirm the specified efficiencies of the new Wilo pumps. With the technologies used, annual energy savings of around 15% have been achieved compared to the old pumping station. This equates to almost 1 million kWh less energy consumption per year, confirming the expected significant operating cost savings.
Sustainability and future viability secured
With the construction of the new Lange Erlen pumping station, the company IWB is securing the supply of over 220,000 people as well as industry in Basel and the surrounding area. The modernisation of the pumping station not only improves energy efficiency, but also ensures a stable water supply with a minimal ecological footprint. This combination of technological progress and sustainable thinking shows how municipal infrastructure projects can be successfully prepared for the challenges of the future.
Technical data and installed products
Project period: June 2017 to August 2020
Number of installed pumps: 4
Pump type: Wilo-VeroNorm NPG 300-500-355/4-109-ACS-IE4-CT
Flow rate: 300 l/s per pump
Delivery head: 74 m
Efficiency: 88 % at the best point
Energy savings: 15% compared to the old pumping station