Fraunhofer ICT and CEMEP
Up to 140 TWh of Electricity Savings Possible with Frequency Converters
The targeted use of frequency converters could save up to 140 terawatt-hours of electricity per year in the EU. Researchers at Fraunhofer see significant potential especially for pumps, fans, and compressors with variable loads.
In 2021, electric motors accounted for around 46% of total electricity consumption in Europe, with 70% of that used for pumps, fans, and compressors. Many of these applications run at a constant speed, even when the load varies. Two studies by the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT, commissioned by CEMEP (the European Committee of Manufacturers of Electrical Machines and Power Electronics), show that demand-based speed control using a frequency converter could save up to 140 TWh of electricity annually — equivalent to about 5% of the EU’s total electricity demand.
A frequency converter adjusts an electric motor’s speed precisely to match actual demand. According to Fraunhofer ICT, the savings potential depending on device and load profile ranges between 10% and 70%. The studies examined electric motors for pumps, fans, and compressors in power classes according to EN standards from 0.37 to 1,300 kW, in applications such as water and wastewater pumps, heating and air-conditioning systems, ventilation, and industrial heating and cooling processes.
Highest potential for fresh water pumps
Researchers see the greatest potential in freshwater pumps, where energy savings of 18% to 24% are possible. Currently, around 50% of pumps and 40% of fans still run at fixed speeds. For some constant-load applications — such as swimming pool pumps or wastewater transport — speed control does not provide an immediate benefit.
In addition to direct energy savings, frequency converters allow the use of smaller, more efficient devices that can deliver the same performance at higher speeds. One of the studies confirmed this also applies to constant-load applications such as swimming pool and wastewater pumps.
Additional downstream savings are conceivable in systems where the transported medium contains thermal energy — for example, in warm air supply for buildings. If the flow rate can be flexibly adjusted to demand, less thermal energy is needed overall. However, the studies did not quantify these effects.
According to Fraunhofer ICT, saving 140 terawatt-hours of electricity in Europe would reduce CO₂ emissions by about 38 million tons per year — equivalent to the emissions from burning 14.2 billion liters of diesel fuel.
Further information can be found in the whitepaper:
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