hydrovar® X intelligent control system enables one of the broadest efficiency ranges in the industry today

"With pumping systems accounting for nearly 20 percent of the world's electricity demand, efficiency is imperative and water technology innovations play a central role in supporting the drive towards measurable energy upgrades”. Xylem has expanded the hydrovar^® X  product line to include various configurations tailored to reduce energy consumption for pumping water in diverse applications, says Damien Galzin, Global Product Director and Social Impact in Xylem. 

Xylem's hydrovar^® X represents a significant advancement in pump technology, integrating ultra-premium efficient motors with variable speed drives and pumps to deliver intelligence, performance, connectivity, and simplicity in a single package.

Originally introduced in 1995, the latest generation of the hydrovar^® X variable speed drive (VSD) proves to be the water industry's choice for optimising the efficiency of fixed speed pump systems. hydrovar^® X offers the best performance in terms of energy efficiency, thanks to the frequency converter coupled with the latest generation synchronous motor, manufactured by Xylem, integrating decades of experience and know-how in pumping solutions. It is the right combination of motors, variable speed drives and pumps that guarantees optimum performance, maximum savings and a quick return on investment. In addition to being a variable speed drive, hydrovar^® X is an intelligent control system that adapts precisely to the needs, helping end users obtaining cost and energy savings while achieving optimum performance.

Pumping applications offer a significant opportunity for using Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) in both new installations and retrofits. Most pumping systems require control, as it's unlikely that a pump will consistently run at maximum speed.  The function of a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) – as Damien Galzin, Global Product Director and Social Impact in Xylem explains - is to control the speed of an electric motor by adjusting the input power to the motor. It allows for the regulation of motor speed to match the specific needs of the application, leading to various benefits, the main one being energy efficiency, followed by best service and comfort to the end user. Speed control reduces mechanical stress and in-turn emits less noise.

With hydrovar^® X Performance, Connectivity & Simplicity come at your fingertips, with the following advantages:

• Intelligent operation: Equipped with an IE5 ultra-premium hydrovar^® X  smart motor. The system offers one of the broadest efficiency ranges in the industry.
• Simplicity: Built-in application software facilitates easy configuration, commissioning, programming, and operation, accommodating virtually any pump configuration.
• Sustainability: The design avoids the use of rare earth materials, addressing environmental concerns and product availability challenges while maintaining superior performance.
• Ease of service: The integrated pump and hydrovar^® X  motor package reduces additional wiring, labour, and costs associated with traditional variable frequency drive (VFD) packages. The motor features a quick-connect electrical socket for rapid maintenance.
• Ease of installation: The pumps and systems integrating hydrovar^® X  have a smaller footprint, allowing easier installation in a narrow space or in OEM machines.
• Built-in protections: Integrated functions provide protection for the pump and motor, optimising performance.
• Condition monitoring: Packaged Booster Systems can be equipped with Xylem’s optimyze^® sensor to monitor pump health and provide early warnings of potential issues, reducing downtime and service costs.

Xylem has expanded the hydrovar^® X  product line to tailored diverse applications. Here are the latest configurations available:

• e-SV and e-SVI series pumps. The hydrovar^® X  motor can be integrated with the e-SV and e-SVI multistage series pumps, to meet specific installation and performance requirements.
• e-HM hydrovar^® X  Horizontal multistage pumps. The hydrovar^® X  system can be used with e-HM series , a versatile line of horizontal multistage pumps designed for best-in-class efficiency and superior durability to slash the total cost of ownership​.
• GHV hydrovar^® X  Booster Units with e-SVX Vertical Multistage Pumps​. The GHV series is equipped with 1 to 8 vertical multistage e-SV pumps, each fitted with a hydrovar^® X  variable frequency drive independently controlled for the maximum reliability.
• e-LNE hydrovar^® X  Single-stage in-line pumps​. The Lowara e-LNE and e-LNT Series in-line pumps coupled with hydrovar^® X  are designed to meet the Commercial Building Services and HVAC requirements, in terms of performance and energy saving and thanks to a compact footprint.
• e-NSC hydrovar^® X  EN733 standard single-stage pumps with axial suction.​ The Lowara e-NSC end suction pumps combine high efficiency with high flexibility regarding installation, material options and temperature. With hydrovar^® X  it enables the achievement of lower lifecycle costs across commercial building services applications.
• e-SH hydrovar^®, end suction pumps. The e-SH series is a high-performance stainless steel centrifugal end suction electro pump with single stage, axial flanged suction port, radial flanged discharge, and horizontal shaft. Enhancing the versatile, high-performing, corrosion resistant e-SH pump series with hydrovar^® X  allows to significantly reduce power consumption and lifetime running costs. Particularly suited to diverse OEM applications.

These configurations are designed to meet the evolving needs of various industries, providing energy-efficient, reliable, and easy-to-maintain pumping solutions.

The hydrovar^® X system from Xylem is highly versatile and can be installed across various industries and applications where energy-efficient, reliable, and variable-speed pump solutions are needed. Some common installation sites include:

Commercial Buildings:

hydrovar^® X can be used in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to control the water flow in heating and cooling applications. It helps optimise energy use by adjusting the flow to the system demand and reducing noise in the heating system.

Water supply and pressure boosting:

In both residential and commercial water supply systems, hydrovar^® X can be installed to boost water pressure efficiently, ensuring consistent water pressure for various needs, such as showering, irrigation, and plumbing.

Industrial applications:

hydrovar^® X is ideal for use in manufacturing processes, including cooling and washing systems, where variable-speed pumps are required to maintain precise fluid control. It can be used in applications where pressure control and energy efficiency are important.

Water treatment plants:

The system can be utilised in water and wastewater treatment facilities to ensure optimal pump performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve overall system reliability. It can enhance water filtration system efficiency by providing the right flow independently of the filter head loss.

Irrigation systems:

For agricultural or landscape irrigation, hydrovar^® X can maintain precise water distribution and pressure levels across the system, improving water conservation and reducing energy use.

Fire protection systems:

In fire suppression systems, hydrovar^® X can be used for maintaining the correct pressure in fire pumps, ensuring that water is readily available at the required pressure in case of an emergency.

Chilled water systems:

hydrovar^® X can be integrated into chilled water systems for large buildings, ensuring efficient operation of the chillers, maintaining consistent temperatures and saving energy throughout the facility.

Booster and transfer systems:

It is useful in booster systems for water or fluid transfer applications, ensuring efficient operation in systems where fluid must be moved across long distances or heights.

hydrovar^® X is suitable for all environments requiring energy-efficient, reliable, and flexible pump control, particularly when variable speed control and intelligent monitoring are important to optimise system performance and reduce maintenance costs.

Here are a few real-world examples where Xylem’s hydrovar^® X system has been successfully applied, showcasing its versatility and efficiency across various settings:

Commercial facility, UK

A large commercial facility in the UK had an outdated water booster system that could not efficiently handle varying water demand, leading to excessive energy usage. The building management decided to install the hydrovar^® X system with variable-speed pumps. This installation significantly reduced energy consumption by adjusting the pump speeds according to real-time water demand, leading to substantial cost savings while ensuring consistent water pressure.

Residential complex, UK

An apartment complex experienced issues with its previous water booster system, which led to inconsistent water pressure and frequent maintenance problems. Two sets of GHV hydrovar^® X systems were installed in the building. The new system incorporated multiple pumps and Avensor technology for remote monitoring. This allowed the building management to proactively manage the system, reduce downtime, and ensure a steady water supply, improving tenant satisfaction.

Sports park, Australia

At a major sports park in Australia, Xylem installed the first hydrovar^® X system in the country. The system enhanced the park’s irrigation efficiency and sustainability by dynamically adjusting to the varying needs of large outdoor spaces. The system's ability to manage energy consumption while maintaining optimal water delivery for the park's facilities proved its adaptability in large-scale applications.

Hospital, Italy

A hospital in Italy struggled with high energy consumption from its water supply system, which was running on fixed-speed pumps. After installing the hydrovar^® X system with multiple pumps and variable-speed controls, the hospital saw a significant reduction in electricity use while ensuring the water supply system was always optimised for changing demand. This solution helped lower operational costs while maintaining reliable service for patients and staff.

These installations showcase the hydrovar^® X system's adaptability across various sectors, including commercial buildings, residential complexes, and large-scale outdoor facilities, providing energy-efficient and reliable pumping solutions tailored to specific operational needs.

For a visual overview of the hydrovar^® X, you might find the following video informative: hydrovar^® X  | Xylem UK

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company that empowers customers and communities to build a more water-secure world. Our 23,000 diverse employees delivered combined pro forma revenue of $8.1 billion in 2023, optimising water and resource management with innovation and expertise. Join us at www.xylem.com and Let’s Solve Water.

Press contact

Corinna Malia
Corinna.Malia@xylem.com