We are delighted to invite Ankush Gulati from ABB

CERN’s large-scale cooling and ventilation systems present significant opportunities for energy savings. However, the number and complexity of these assets make identifying and realising these savings challenging. This presentation shares the learnings from an R&D collaboration between CERN and ABB that identified a 17.4 % energy savings opportunity – which, if achieved, could be enough to power more than 18,000 European households.

The presentation will address the following main topics:

• Relevance of Electric Motors at CERN
  With over 3,000 low-voltage motors in operation - around 700 of which are equipped with variable speed drives - CERN demonstrates both its commitment to energy efficiency and the untapped potential for further optimisation across industries and research facilities, highlighting the importance of motor systems in energy consumption.
• Energy-Savings from Large Motor Fleets
  The collaboration results provide a compelling example of how substantial energy savings can be achieved by optimising a large fleet of low-voltage motors, a scenario widely-applicable at many industrial and research sites.
• Challenge of Data Availability and the Developed Approach
  A key obstacle in identifying savings is the limited availability of operational data. The collaboration addressed this by developing a structured methodology to extract insights, prioritise opportunities, and guide decision-making - even in data-scarce environments.
• Overview of Control Methods and Efficiency Opportunities
  Many motors at CERN - and in similar industrial and research settings - operate using control strategies such as throttling, on/off cycling, or fixed-speed operation. Applying more efficient flow-control methods, especially in pump applications, were identified as significant opportunities for energy savings.
• Impact of Pump and Fan Parameters on Optimisation Potential
  The efficiency of motor-driven systems is influenced by specific pump and fan characteristics. However, limited data availability often hinders detailed analysis. The collaboration’s approach demonstrates how to navigate these constraints to uncover actionable insights.
• Conclusion: CERN as a Blueprint for Energy Optimisation
  The R&D collaboration between CERN and ABB offers a replicable framework for identifying and implementing energy-saving measures in electric motor-driven systems. By applying diverse methods to screen, assess, and prioritise opportunities, industries and research facilities can achieve cost savings, enhance competitiveness, and advance decarbonisation goals.

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