The ZVEI (Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V., the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association) is represented at the Hannover Messe again this year. For the first time, the topic of energy efficiency has a prominent position. A special show initiated and co-organized by the ZVEI, “Energy efficiency in industrial processes,” is taking place in Hall 6. Siemens is also demonstrating its energy-saving solutions at the booth. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel already saw these solutions firsthand and watched a demonstration of everything on Monday.

“Using a pump model, we’re showing the comparison between a mechanical and an electric pump throttle,” notes Thomas Medved, head of marketing at Siemens DT SD. “The mechanical throttle is set using a handwheel such that it’s possible to regulate the flow rate depending on the application. This means that if the flow rate is changed using the handwheel, the motor is still pumping at full capacity,” says Medved, explaining the principle of the mechanical pump model. “The model to the left shows that the same decrease in this delivery rate can be regulated electronically such that the motor speed is lowered to achieve the same delivery volume that I set using the handwheel on the pump to the right. And this means reduced speed and less consumption of electricity, thus less energy consumption overall and of course lower CO² emissions at the end of the day.”

In industry, 70% of power consumption is used in electric drives. “Exploiting this enormous potential would mean savings in the amount of 27 billion kWh in Germany each year,” explains Medved. Extended worldwide, this would be the equivalent of 43 TWh, which would amount to electricity costs of approximately 3 billion euros. “To express this in terms of CO² emissions, this would mean that we could eliminate the need for about 19 fossil fuel power plants,” says Medved.

These energy-efficient products are already available from Siemens today. “Industrial companies can already use these products today. They can already improve their energy efficiency with these products, reduce costs and make a corresponding contribution to climate protection,” Medved concludes.