Boasting the highest energy-efficiency rating available for circulator pumps in North America today, the MAGNA3 from Grundfos is at the forefront of smart pump technology. The Grundfos MAGNA3 is an energy optimized, variable-speed wet rotor circulator that features a permanent magnet motor design that will cut power consumption up to 85 percent, as compared with other circulators in its class. It made its North American debut at the 2013 Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) on Jan. 28.
MAGNA3 offers much more than the ability to match pump speed to varying system loads. Grundfos is the only manufacturer to offer a variable-speed electronically commutated motor (ECM)-based circulator that uses an integrated logic algorithm to “learn” the varying energy-usage patterns of an application over time, enabling the software to automatically determine the lowest possible operating? efficiency point to meet ever-changing demand. By continuously fine tuning power consumption and flow rates to meet the dynamic needs of the system, this AUTOADAPT function saves both energy and money.
The AUTOADAPT function is so powerful that eight out of every 10 installations can rely on this feature to automatically select the optimal setting, with no additional human intervention. For the installer, that simply means plug and play and walk away.
MAGNA3 boasts the lowest energy consumption, most flexible range, easiest installation and most innovative functionalities on the market. From its improved hydraulics and rotor system to a built-in differential pressure sensor, every detail of MAGNA3 is designed to boost efficiency. In fact, the MAGNA3 will consume 20 to 40 percent less energy than most models in the current MAGNA line, already a best-in-class energy-efficient circulator. In developing the MAGNA3, Grundfos committed to achieving the European Energy Efficiency Index of 0.20, which exceeds the efficiency ratings of any circulators now on the market in North America.
- BREAKTHROUGH MOTOR DESIGN: First used by Grundfos in Europe in the 1990s, the electronically controlled motor features a magnetized rotor, thus avoiding motor-slippage problems common to induction-type motors. The result is a dramatically more efficient motor that generates less heat and energy waste, while delivering a starting torque four times higher than a standard induction motor — a key feature should the circulator experience long periods of idleness.
- FLOWADAPT: The new MAGNA3 allows the installer to set a maximum flow rate that the pump will never exceed, eliminating the need for additional and costly valving to restrict the flow. This option is available whether the installer opts to use AUTOADAPT or either of the MAGNA3’s other two modes: constant pressure and proportionate pressure. With AUTOADAPT, the fixed flow rat e becomes simply another parameter the system “learns” on its way to minimizing energy usage.
- CARBON FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE ROTOR CAN: The function of the rotor can is to seal fluid from the stator motor. In the current MAGNA, the can is fabricated out of stainless steel, but the MAGNA3 substitutes carbon-fiber material because it permits a stronger transmission of the magnetic field through the can, raising overall pump efficiency.
- DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE SENSOR: While the existing MAGNA bases its performance on power consumption and speed, the new MAGNA3 adds a new data point by integrating a patented differential pressure sensor right into the pump housing. In doing so, the MAGNA3 boosts hydraulic and motor efficiency.
- CONSTANT TEMPERATURE MODE: A system sensor allows the MAGNA3 to monitor flow temperature constantly. A circulator placed in the return line in a domestic hot water system can be programmed to maintain a constant temperature. This, in turn, enables the pump to slow down when hot water demand is low or nonexistent — a big energy- and money-saver in certain commercial applications, such as schools and hotels, whose need for hot water varies greatly throughout the day.
- ON-PUMP, TFT DISPLAY SCREEN: The MAGNA3 provides clear, easily readable data right on the pump; the installer and end user can even see the pump performance curve. Thanks to this new technology, the installer can request “assisted setup” at the time of pump commissioning, while a service technician can use the same feature to troubleshoot problems. The screen will “step” the installer or technician through a series of questions and procedures, so they accomplish whatever task they must perform quickly and easily. This is a major improvement over conventional pump interfaces, which typically display codes that require the user to memorize or look up in a separate manual. With the MAGNA3, it’s all on the screen.
- ROTATING POWER HEAD: There’s one more important, but relatively simple change that has elicited excellent feedback from installers who have tested it: On a conventional circulator, rotating the power head necessitates removing two or more bolts, which can take a bit of time. The MAGNA3 uses a clamp ring instead of multiple bolts: All an installer or service technician need do is to loosen a single bolt and rotate the head without removing it – making circulator head rotation very quick and easy.
Easy to install, operate and maintain, the innovative MAGNA3 features easy interfacing with building management systems and built-in heat energy metering. Additionally, wireless connectivity enables handheld pump control, monitoring and reporting capabilities by Grundfos GO, a mobile toolbox available on Apple and Android devices.
In addition, MAGNA3 now handles temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an even better choice for cooling as well as heating applications. Grundfos has dramatically improved the pump’s range by increasing the maximum head to almost 60 feet and the maximum flow to approximately 570 gallons per minute. And with more than 35 single and twin circulators in cast iron or stainless steel, MAGNA3 is the solution for a wide range of commercial and domestic application: heating, cooling and air-conditioning, domestic hot water, ground source heat pump, and solar heating.
Grundfos will begin shipping the MAGNA3 to customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico during summer 2013. Following the launch, Grundfos will host a number of regional training events for representatives and key stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, wholesalers and industry gurus. In addition to training, the regional events will feature promotional and social opportunities.
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