Commitment to Sustainable Water Management
With rising operating costs and increasing demands for energy efficiency, municipalities are under growing pressure
to modernize their infrastructure with advanced, energysaving solutions.
Since 2022, Franklin Electric has been working closely with a major municipality in Northern Italy. The goal of this
partnership: a transition towards an efficient and sustainable water infrastructure.
This municipality supplies clean drinking water to millions of citizens. At the start of the modernization effort, two
priorities were clear: reducing energy consumption and ensuring a reliable water supply. There is significant potential for greater energy efficiency - particularly in water extraction from wells and storage tanks. The key lies in selecting the right components and precisely sizing the system. Up to 90 percent of a pump system’s total life cycle cost can be attributed to energy consumption. Smart planning here leads to long-term cost savings—while also protecting the environment and conserving resources. Reliability and quality are also essential when it comes to securing the water supply for millions of people. At Franklin Electric, the key factors of success are quality, innovation, service, availability, and cost-efficiency. That’s why the municipality chose Franklin Electric’s High Efficiency Systems—laying the foundation for a successful collaboration.

Optimizing energy consumption with permanent magnet technology

A key factor in reducing energy consumption and achieving high efficiency in pumping systems is the use of permanent magnet motor technology. Instead of a traditional squirrelcage induction motor, Franklin Electric’s High Efficiency System features a rotor design with integrated permanent magnets. This results in significantly higher efficiency and lower overall energy consumption compared to standard induction motors. The permanent magnet motor eliminates electrical rotor losses, improves partial load behaviour, and generates less heat during operation. With the same pump load, the synchronous motor requires less current - delivering greater energy savings and enhanced system performance.

Franklin Electric's High Efficiency Systems
Since 2022, Franklin Electric has supplied numerous High Efficiency Systems (HES) to the municipality - delivering
impressive, measurable results. The full energy-saving potential is unlocked only through the perfectly matched
interaction of all components, combined with a Variable frequency drive:

• Submersible pump (VS / VSI)
• Permanent magnet motor (6" / 8")
• Output filter
• Frequency drive (VFD)

Franklin Electric’s HES solutions are specifically designed to meet the needs of municipal water management. They
deliver top-level efficiency with significantly reduced energy consumption. This lowers electricity costs and frees up
municipal budgets for other critical priorities. Built for reliability, the HES enables precise speed control, optimized water flow, and reduced wear on components. The result: fewer service interruptions, lower maintenance
requirements, and longer system life - supporting a more sustainable and efficient public water infrastructure.

Sustainable Municipal Water Utilities
Franklin Electric’s collaboration with municipalities around the world highlights the benefits of advanced motor and
pump technologies in optimizing energy use, reducing costs, and improving service reliability. By using permanent magnet motors, municipalities can achieve long-term sustainability while maintaining a highperformance
water supply for their communities. Franklin Electric is a pioneer in permanent magnet technology for submersible motors. Thousands of these systems have been installed globally - and have proven their real-world effectiveness for over a decade. They reach efficiency levels of up to 94% and consistently deliver double-digit energy
savings. The difference in investment costs between the HES and a regular pumping system is amortized in less than 2 years in most cases - making them a smart and sustainable investment for public water infrastructure.

Innovative pump technology for urban water features

A striking example of the performance and reliability of our vertical multistage pumps can be found at the fountain field in the Center at Potsdamer Platz, Berlin.

Amidst the dynamic architecture and energy of the capital, beneath the Center’s iconic roof structure, a colorfully illuminated water feature creates a moment of calm. At ground level, the fountain field offers a place to relax, for children to play, and for visitors to take a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The planning and execution of the installation were carried out by AquaActiv Springbrunnen- & Wassertechnik GmbH, based in Lage/Germany. The company specializes in the design, project management, construction, and maintenance of classic fountains, modern fountain fields, and innovative water attractions – for both urban spaces and exclusive private environments.

For the Potsdamer Platz project, AquaActiv chose robust, low-maintenance, and above all highly reliable pump technology – selecting our vertical multistage pumps from the EV series. In addition to their proven reliability, rapid availability played a key role: the pumps were supplied directly from our warehouse in Wittlich, Germany.

A total of 21 EV pumps now power the impressive display of illuminated water jets. The centrifugal pumps in this series deliver flow rates of up to 115 m³/h and heads of up to 326 meters. Designed for durability and quiet operation, they also offer easy maintenance – thanks to features like removable cartridge mechanical seals and replaceable stainless steel wear rings in the impeller neck. These elements help to minimize service times and increase operational reliability.

Their compact design with inline connections and flexible mounting flanges further simplifies installation – yet another advantage of this versatile and high-performance pump series.

Center Potsdamer Platz – A Unique Urban Experience

Following an extensive renovation and modernization, the former Sony Center reopened in 2024 with a new identity and renewed energy. Designed by renowned architect Helmut Jahn, the iconic complex now offers a vibrant mix of functions across 26,000 m² of land and a total floor area of 132,500 m². The revitalized Center seamlessly blends cutting-edge office spaces, premium residential units, and a diverse range of retail, culinary, and entertainment experiences – making it a dynamic hub in the heart of Berlin.

Evaporative cooling as a climate measure

Fountain fields like the one at the Center am Potsdamer Platz in Berlin are gaining popularity – and for good reason. They offer a vibrant way to activate public spaces with water, while preserving the multifunctional use of the area. When the fountain is not in operation, the surface remains fully accessible for vehicles, pedestrians, and surrounding buildings. Even during operation, the water feature can be walked on, making it a fully integrated part of urban life.

Beyond their aesthetic and recreational appeal, these installations provide measurable environmental benefits. The movement of water produces evaporative cooling, which reduces ground-level air temperatures and increases local humidity – creating a perceptible and pleasant microclimate.

As cities face rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, this cooling effect is becoming increasingly valuable. In densely built urban areas with limited greenery, wet surfaces such as fountain fields can contribute significantly to climate adaptation strategies. At the same time, they enrich the public realm – transforming spaces into inviting cultural and recreational destinations.

Irrigation with rainwater for dust binding

Our customer Pumpentechnik Bewässerungssysteme Zimmermann (Murg-Niederhof and Willich) recently installed Franklin Electric's powerful EV series multistage centrifugal pumps to install a dust control irrigation system on the site of a haulage company in Duisburg.

The dust produced by industrial operations is not only harmful to people and the environment, but can also damage machinery. Inhaling the dust can cause serious long-term damage to human health. Obstructed visibility can also pose additional potential hazards. Zimmermann therefore offers customised spraying systems that bind the dust. The water mist not only reduces the dust emission in the air and brings it to the ground, but also seals the open surfaces by moistening them to avoid that the dust gets into the air.

The system works with rainwater that is collected from the hall roofs and transported via a pipe to a vertical, multi-stage inline centrifugal pump. When planning the dust suppression system, attention was paid to the quality and durability of the products in addition to the required performance. The Franklin Electric model EV 10/10 was chosen. This pump operates with a 4 kW high-efficiency motor, achieves delivery heads of up to 102.8 m and flow rates of up to 14 m³/h.

The pumps are available in different metallurgies (cast iron, 304SS, 316SS). The decision was made in favour of the 304SS version, in which all water-carrying parts are made of high-quality stainless steel. A pressure switch and a pressure vessel are used to automatically switch the pump on and off.

Several pipes are installed from the EV pump to the sprinklers on the roofs of the warehouses. Each sprinkler is stabilised by individually manufactured brackets and controlled by solenoid valves with separate valves for each sprinkler.

They are conveniently operated via a radio remote control so that employees can control the sprinklers from anywhere on the site.

EV Multistage Centrifugal pumps
Flow rates up to 115 m³/h (50 Hz)
Delivery heads up to 326 m (50 Hz)

• Reliability and robustness
• Reduced noise emission
• Quick and easy maintenance thanks to removable cartridge mechanical seal
• Easy installation thanks to inline connections

ROBUST AND RELIABLE

• Compact, robust design
• Easy installation thanks to variable mounting flanges
• All parts in contact with water made of stainless steel
• Silicon carbide shaft bearing and bearing sleeve
• Easily replaceable cartridge mechanical seal (no disassembly of the motor required for models over 4 kW)
• Reduced service and maintenance time
• Replaceable stainless steel wear ring in the impeller neck

Cost savings through permanent magnet technology

A local customer of the municipal drinking water supply in Germany operates several drinking water wells. The Franklin Electric Service team recently assisted in the installation and modernisation of a new pump system in a 40 metre deep well.

The pump system is positioned at a depth of approx. 25 metres and now includes a complete system consisting of a permanent magnet motor (PM motor), submersible pump and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).

The municipal water supplier still had an unused permanent magnet motor from 2016 in storage. This was inspected and carefully serviced by the Franklin Electric Service team. After cleaning, the seals were replaced and the motor was ready for operation again.

The motor was paired with a submersible pump and supplemented with a cooling jacket. This separate cooling jacket is sealed above the pump inlet. The water is sucked in from below and channelled past the motor in order to dissipate the heat generated by the motor (convection) and generate sufficient cooling.

Firstly, the old motor-pump unit was lifted out of the well. The existing motor had been in use for more than 10 years and was now replaced by the 6-inch permanent magnet motor from Franklin Electric.

More than motors - Optimisation of the system with Variable Frequency Drive and PT100 temperature sensor

When operating a PM motor, a Variable Frequency Drive is essential. This not only allows the pump system to be utilised and controlled more efficiently, but also helps save energy and significantly extends the system's service life.

Previously, the system could only be switched on or off, which often resulted in an excessive water flow that had to be manually regulated using sliders. The motor was consistently operating at full load.

Now with a Variable Frequency Drive, precise control of the system’s requirements is possible. Individual parameters such as constant water pressure, flow rate, and level control can be conveniently selected and adjusted via the display.

The system also offers robust protection against various sources of interference, including short circuits, underload, overload, overheating, undervoltage, overvoltage, phase failure, phase imbalance, overpressure, and sensor errors.

Additionally, a PT100 sensor has been integrated into the submersible motor. Installed in the upper end shield, this sensor measures the temperature above the winding head and continuously monitors the winding temperature.

When the unit was lowered into the deep well, the leads of the motor and the PT100 were tightened opposite each other to avoid interference. Franklin Electric's PT100 temperature sensor is equipped with a 4-wire shielded cable, available in multiple lengths, which provides additional protection against high frequency interference that can occur in applications with Variable Frequency Drive.

Reverse Osmosis in Pharmaceutical Water Systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) is the premier filtration technique widely used in pharmaceutical water systems for its effectiveness in removing particles and contaminants. Utilizing a semi-permeable membrane, the RO system allows water to pass while retaining impurities. The process requires a driving force, applied as pressure via pumps, to propel water through the membrane.

In this system, an EV pump introduces water into a series of membranes, functioning as filters to separate the liquid into two streams: the ‘permeate’ (purified water) and the ‘retentate’ (waste liquid). To optimize efficiency and conserve resources, the retentate can be recirculated through another pump, minimizing energy consumption and material usage.

Advantages of Reverse Osmosis:

• Comprehensive removal of contaminants, including dissolved substances and minerals.

• Physical filtration without phase change, preserving energy and maintaining room temperature.

• Least energy-intensive among water treatment methods, relying solely on water pressure.

Meeting the Technical Demands of High-Pressure RO Systems

Given the high technical demands of RO systems, components must adhere to the highest standards of performance, materials, and flexibility. Franklin Electric’s Vertical Multistage Pumps are exemplary in this regard. The Stainless Steel construction offers exceptional resistance and reliability, minimizing downtime due to component replacement. Their superior performance and broad range of flow rates (up to 115 m³/h for the EV series) ensure precise pressure modulation to meet system requirements.

Franklin Electric offers a specialized High-Pressure system incorporating two vertical multistage pumps mounted in series, constructed from full AISI316 Stainless Steel with Victaulic pipe connections. This innovative setup allows Franklin Electric to achieve extremely high pressure that a single pump cannot match, due to the reinforced construction of the second pump, featuring a high-thickness casing and balanced mechanical seal. Victaulic collars enable the system to withstand pressures up to 50 bar.
A horizontal multistage pump (EH) is included on the same skid to recirculate retentate water, enhancing filtration efficiency and preventing water wastage. This configuration ensures optimal filtration performance, making the most of available resources.

The Ideal Choice for Water Purification

Franklin Electric’s dual Vertical Multistage in series pumps provide a robust, reliable solution for reverse osmosis systems, ensuring high-pressure delivery and efficient filtration. The combination of superior materials, advanced design, and energy-saving recirculation makes these pumps the ideal choice for pharmaceutical and other water purification applications.

Wide range of applications and cost savings

The Franklin Electric team recently supported an agricultural business to organise its irrigation system cost-effectively and precisely to its needs. Several well pumping systems were installed in wells 20-30 metres deep.

The project had several requirements for the desired well system:

• The system had to be suitable for various applications, as the fields are irrigated partly with sprinkler cannons and partly with drip hoses. The methods and areas vary constantly and are heavily dependent on the weather and season. The system therefore had to be designed for a wide range of applications in terms of operating points.
• A further focus was on cost savings for the economic optimisation of the operation. Enormous cost savings can be achieved by using the High Efficiency System.
• The customer also wanted a flexible system with multi-range motors that are suitable for all well systems. This allows him to flexibly swap the motor and pump between the wells as required.

Several well pump systems were installed, consisting of permanent magnet motors in the power range of 13-22 kW, VS submersible pumps (VS65/10) made of 304SS, corresponding cabling and a temperature sensor.

The system was supplemented by the perfectly matched DrivE-Tech COMPACT frequency converter with du/dt filter for motor protection. This is quick and easy to install via a mobile app and even enables remote control, real-time monitoring of system performance and remote troubleshooting by Franklin Electric's support team.

High-efficiency borehole systems engineered for excellence and sustainability

In all industries and markets, energy consumption is becoming a decisive criterion when selecting new systems and modernising existing ones. It is also becoming one of the most important aspects when pumping water from boreholes or tanks, in addition to the optimum dimensioning, reliability and quality of the system. As the energy consumption of a pump system accounts for up to 90 % of the total life cycle costs, the overall operating costs can be significantly reduced.

With its innovative High Efficiency System (HES), Franklin Electric is setting new standards in the industry. The system enables energy savings of up to 21 %. As a technology pioneer, Franklin Electric has been supplying the submersible pump market with highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous motors since 2017. The high-efficiency borehole pump systems (HES) achieve outstanding levels of efficiency, particularly as a complete package including all components. Several thousand installed units have so far proven this outstanding practicality and show up to double-digit energy savings as well as significantly improved efficiencies.

The key factor in energy savings and high efficiency is the motor's permanent magnet technology. Instead of a short-circuit induction motor, the high-efficiency motor incorporates a permanent magnet rotor design with buried magnets, which provides significantly improved efficiency and and overall lower energy consumption compared to a standard induction motor. The permanent magnet motor design eliminates electrical rotor losses, resulting in lower motor currents, improved partial load behavior and reduced temperature heat rise.

Franklin Electric proves that technological progress and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand. With the High Efficiency System, the company offers a forward-looking solution for water pumping that is both economical and environmentally friendly.

In Italy, three well systems were equipped with permanent magnet motors to achieve long-term energy savings. 

For two pivot irrigation systems, G.N. Tecnopompe from Castel Mella / Lombardy Italy installed three pumping systems with permanent magnet motors. The pump systems feed pivot irrigation systems which were set up to reduce water consumption as much as possible in order to counteract the climatic and structural problems related to energy and water consumption. Especially in Italy, the importance of this issue is constantly growing. Therefore, it was all the more important for the customer to focus on energy efficiency and sustainability also in the selection of the pumping system.

In addition to drilling the three wells, G.N. Tecnopompe also took care of the complete installation and setup of the system.

To create an energy-efficient, sustainable solution, the decision was made to use Franklin Electric permanent magnet motors, which are characterised by very high efficiencies.

By using Franklin Electric‘s 37 kW permanent magnet motors in combination with powerful pumps, savings of at least 7 kW can be achieved at full power.

It quickly became apparent that high savings could be achieved when using a coordinated system with permanent magnet motor and frequency converter.

Both the energy consumption and the water consumption could be reduced considerably. Due to the savings achieved, a considerable part of the investment can already be amortised in the procurement year.

Applications at a glance:

• Franklin Electric 6" Permanent magnet motor
• submersible pump
• DrivE-Tech Variable Frequency converter

Energy savings through permanent magnet technology

In all industrial sectors and markets, energy consumption is becoming a decisive criterion when selecting new systems and modernising existing ones. When pumping water from boreholes or tanks, this is also becoming one of the most important aspects along with optimal dimensioning and the reliability and quality of the system. Since the energy consumption of a pump system accounts for up to 90 % of the total life cycle costs, the operating costs can be reduced considerably.

Franklin Electric has developed the High Efficiency Pump System, which enables energy savings of up to 21 %. The key factor for energy savings and superior efficiency is the permanent magnet technology of the motor. Instead of a short-circuit induction type rotor, the high efficiency motor contains a permanent magnet rotor design with buried magnets with significantly improved efficiency and overall lower energy consumption compared to a standard induction motor. The Permanent Magnet Motor design eliminates electrical rotor losses resulting in lower motor amps, improved partial load behavior and reduced temperature heat rise.

Franklin Electric offers permanent magnet motors in a package with ideally matched components to further optimise efficiency and energy savings. This so-called High Efficiency System includes the PM motor, a submersible pump, a frequency converter and additional components such as a suitable output filter and, if necessary, a flow switch.

Numerous installations worldwide impressively demonstrate the success of this system, where great savings could be achieved. In most cases, the system pays for itself in less than 2 years.

Solar-powered drinking water supply

On Mount Athos in the Agio Oros region of north-eastern Greece, a new 4" High efficiency solar pumping system of Franklin Electric supplies an Orthodox monastic community with drinking water from a well. The particular challenge was that the area has no connection to the electricity grid. It was therefore decided to use a solar application to pump the necessary water from the 50-metre-deep well.

Fluida Pumps and pump equipment from Bulgaria took on this project and explored the possibilities. Looking for the best efficiency at a flow rate of 2 to 5 m³/h, they quickly decided on the High Efficiency pumping system of Franklin Electric. As the area has no connection to the electricity grid, a solar application had to be installed. A system with 10 solar modules was installed for this purpose.

4" High Efficiency Solar pumping system

• 4" submersible pump VS 4/14
• 4" permanent magnet PM motor 1.1 kW / 220V / 100 Hz / 4000N
• Solar Variable Frequency converter DrivE-Tech MINI Solar 2.011 MP

Another difficulty with the installation was that the area also has no internet access. So it was not possible to control and set up the system remotely. All data was coordinated in advance with the Franklin Electric support team so that the installation could take place smoothly on site.

Coordination with the customer was also difficult, because the monk was only available once a day at 6 a.m. to clarify open questions. Today, the well produces water reliably and supplies the monks with water every day.

Voltage boost and reduction of solar modules

Solar applications are about converting sunlight into electricity. The most important value is the so-called solar radiation (measured in W/m²). This number tells you how much energy you can get from the actual sunlight. The solar radiation depends on your location and changes with the time of day, with the weather conditions and also during the year. Each day you only have a certain window of time where you have enough sunlight to keep your system running at full speed. So the solar system must be carefully sized to achieve the desired system performance. In addition to solar irradiance, this will depend heavily on the number of solar panels and how well your solar drive controls motor and pump. The MVPT algorithm of the High Efficiency system maximizes system performance.

So, when operating a pump with solar energy, it is important to generate sufficient electrical power, but even more important is sufficient voltage. The pump speed and thus the system performance is determined by the electrical voltage. To generate enough voltage, you need to connect enough solar panels in series. This will generate the voltage level needed to operate at full speed.

But if weather conditions change, the voltage can drop, causing the system to immediately reduce pump speed to keep running. This reduces the amount of water pumped, but not just linearly. Due to pump affinity laws, the pump head or pressure is reduced squared, which then leads to a further reduction in water flow as you run at a different pump operating point.

So, if you haven’t sized your system carefully, or if you’re using low efficiency components, you run the risk of running in what’s called a dead head situation. The pump is still operating, but it’s not generating enough head to overcome a certain level, and the result is that water flow stops. With the lower energy consumption of the High Efficiency System, you have an additional safety reserve that allows you to pump more water, or longer.

Franklin Electric has further enhanced this feature on its smaller 4” systems by adding a solar frequency inverter to provide an advanced voltage boost function. This voltage boost feature makes it possible to size your system based on power rather than voltage, saving you up to 50% on solar panels compared to a standard system without the voltage boost feature. The bottom line is that you need fewer solar modules, which reduces the initial investment and installation cost, and you also save on solar module mounting.

A Franklin Electric FNC Close-coupled End suction Centrifugal pump with extended shaft supplies water to the fountains in the Hilden municipal park.

FNC End suction pump

The well maintenance department of BPK Brunnen- und Pumpen-Service GmbH in Moers/Germany replaced a standard centrifugal pump that supplies water to three fountains in the Hilden town pond.

When it came to selecting the right pump, the decision was made in favour of the powerful FNC 80-160/110 pump with 11 kW, which achieves flow rates of up to 156 m³/h (50 Hz) and heads of up to 28 m (50 Hz). In addition to the required performance parameters, criteria such as high quality and durability and corrosion resistance were also decisive in the selection of the pump.

Another fountain in the Hilden city park is currently being equipped with a submersible pump from Franklin Electric, which achieves a delivery rate of up to 144 m³/h and a delivery head of up to 578 m.

The renovation of the fountains was part of an inner city project that also included the upgrading of the centrally located city park with its pond. The fountains of the water body does not only look beautiful and please visitors, but  also is important for the circulation and aeration of the water body.

Read more about the application in the attached case study.

The Seaman’s Fountain of Bardolino in Italy is working again after two years, thanks to the Franklin Electric pump system, consisting of a 6" pump with a 6" encapsulated motor.

Pressure boosting for water games

The musical fountain of Bardolino on the shores of Lake Garda, designed in 2001, was finally back to bubble again after two years of standstill, thanks to a visual and technical redesign by a local company. The new system consists of a 6" pump system from Franklin Electric, which was provided by the company Idroagrifer in Pastrengo (VR). Idroagrifer is a Franklin Electric distributor of borehole systems in the Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige area.

In this type of ornamental fountain, the pump system pushes the water through jet nozzles. This increases the pressure and the fountains reach the desired height.

The 6" systems from Franklin Electric consist of a 6" encapsulated submersible motor and a 6" Stainless steel submersible pump, which are characterised by high reliability and durability.

Reliability and robustness

Franklin Electric‘s submersible motors allow power ratings up to 45 kW and are equipped with hermetically sealed windings. This anti-tracking system provides mechanical support, isolates the winding in the stator and ensures rapid heat dissipation.
The motors are equipped with the SandFighter® sealing system with SiC/SiC mechanical seal and sand protection as standard. The hydrodynamic liquid-lubricated radial bearings and heavy-duty Kingsbury type thrust bearing also ensure 100% maintenance-free operation.

The 6" submersible pumps of the VS series are made of Stainless steel and guarantee a long service life. Thanks to the proven components, this pump can withstand the toughest environments. It is suitable for flow rates up to 80 m³/h. The maximum permissible sand quantity for this series of submersible pumps is 100 g/m³.

The water installation is dedicated to Saint Alberti, a navy engine mechanic who went on board the submarine Topazio during the Second World War, which did not return to base in 1943 after a war mission.
 
Today, the sprinkler fountain, whose play of lights is reminiscent of the Italian colours, delights both tourists and locals walking along one of the most famous shores of Lake Garda. And thanks to the durable Franklin Electric integrated products, it will continue to do so for many years to come.

For more information about the products, please refer to the product sites or the attached pdf.