Energy Efficiency with Vacuum Technology: The VAGG Vacuum Unit

29.10.2009

Dramatic reduction of energy consumption

Here, we compare a conventional vacuum generator with the VAGG vacuum unit from Schmalz. This is used, for example, for clamping workpieces in CNC machining centres. The power consumption of both vacuum generators is 1.1 kW. The other performance data for each unit is the same. This includes the duration of the clamping/milling process (60 minutes) and the evacuation time (20 seconds to -850 mbar).

Unlike the conventional vacuum generator, which runs throughout the entire clamping/milling process, continuing to consume energy, the VAGG vacuum unit's integrated energy-saving regulation enables the user to save enormous amounts of energy. This system interrupts vacuum generation once a particular vacuum value has been reached. Vacuum generation is switched back on only when this value exceeds the preset minimum vacuum value.

There are considerable differences in the total running time of the vacuum generator. With the conventional vacuum generator, the running time per clamping/milling process is 60.33 minutes (including evacuation time). With the Schmalz VAGG vacuum unit, the running time is only 2 minutes. When calculated for use in two operating shifts with 14 milling processes per day, there is a dramatic difference in the operating time between the two units. Here, the VAGG vacuum generator has a clear advantage: This unit requires only 28 minutes in comparison to 844.62 for the conventional unit. This results in an energy consumption of 0.51 kWh/day instead of 15.48 kWh. With 245 work days per year, the total energy consumption is reduced by 3,668 kWh.

Significant savings on operating costs, better for the environment

At an average industrial electricity price of EUR 0.1255/kWh, the annual cost of energy generation for the VAGG vacuum unit is only EUR 15.70 compared to EUR 476 for the conventional vacuum generator. This translates to an annual savings of around 97% on operating costs. CO2 emissions are reduced from 3,500 kg to 125 kg (around 97% reduction).

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