DAC102021

WATER n the team’s ability to train, and potentially affect team performance throughout the duration of the work. The Bristol-based drive specialist APDS was brought in the look at the problem. As a temporary, yet quick and cost-effective answer, APDS decided to use the VSD’s onboard real-time clock (RTC) to stop and start the sprinkler system. Rather than programming the VSD to power down when not needed, it used a PID macro with the drive’s sleep function. When all the sprinklers were closed, the system reaches a set point for pressure and goes to sleep, ready to spray again at a moment’s notice. By re-programming the drive, APDS was able to mitigate the effects of the leak while avoiding the need for any additional hardware or remedial work. An additional benefit is that the amount of water being wasted has been reduced because the RTC switches the system off at the correct time, while the pumps no longer run dry when the water runs out, prolonging their lives. While fixing the leak permanently will mean that the pitch still needs to be dug up, the temporary cure ensures that ground staff no longer need to visit during inconvenient hours to stop the drives manually. The team can continue to train, while the club can maintain the condition of its training pitch to the required standard at no extra cost or inconvenience. “Having to come in late at anti-social hours was really frustrating and spoilt many a family dinner,” Scarlets’ head groundsman, Luke Jenkins, recalls. “Using the drive to fix the problems may only be a temporary stop- gap, but it at least means the ground staff can get our lives back. APDS had fixed the problem within 24 hours of our enquiry, so we were extremely pleased with the speed of their response, and thanks to their efforts we’ve had no issues with the irrigation system since.” n Problems with the irrigation system at the Scarlets rugby ground were solved by reprogramming the VSD that controls the system Worldwide leader in low & medium voltage soft starters, motor control, monitoring & protection t: 01752 894554 www.motortronics-uk.co.uk Soft Starter Specialists See us on Stand K114