A variable speed drive (VSD) holds a pump at a set pressure by changing motor speed. Most of the VSD pumps PSA sells come with the drive already matched. But if you're adding a drive to an existing pump, or replacing a failed one, you need to pick the controller yourself. Get it wrong and the drive either won't run the motor or will trip on overload.
This guide covers the five Hyjet E-series VSD controllers and the three things that decide which one fits.
What the E-series does
Per the listings, the E-series is a variable speed drive for surface and submersible pumps. It holds a user-adjustable pressure setpoint by varying motor speed, has an LCD showing pressure, frequency and fault codes, and includes dry-run, overload and overvoltage protection plus soft start and stop.
The five controllers
| Model | Supply in | Output to motor | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | 1 phase 240V | 3 phase 240V | 1.85kW, 7.5A | $1,915.05 |
| E114 | 240V | 1 phase 240V, or 3 phase 240V | 1.1kW 1 phase (9A) / 3.0kW 3 phase (11A) | $3,944.55 |
| E309 | 3 phase 400V | 3 phase 400V | 4.0kW, 9A | $4,401.05 |
| E311 | 3 phase 400V | 3 phase 400V | 4.0kW, 11A | $7,459.05 |
| E318 | 3 phase 400V | 3 phase 400V | 7.5kW, 18A | $10,231.05 |
The three things to match
1. Supply phase
Start with what's at the switchboard. If you only have single phase 240V, your options are the E1 and E114. The E309, E311 and E318 need a 400V three phase supply.
2. Motor phase and voltage
This is the one that catches people out. The E1 takes single phase in but puts three phase 240V out, so it needs a motor wound for three phase 240V. You can't put it on an ordinary single phase pump motor. The E114 can drive either a single phase 240V motor (up to 1.1kW) or a three phase 240V motor (up to 3.0kW). Check the motor nameplate before you order.
3. Motor current, not just kW
Size the drive by the motor's full load current on the nameplate, not only its kW rating. The E309 and E311 are both listed at 4.0kW but at 9A and 11A respectively. A motor drawing more than the drive's rated current will trip it. Leave some margin rather than running a drive at its limit.
Other things to plan
- Pressure transducer. The drive needs a pressure signal. Hyjet lists 0–16 bar and 0–25 bar transducers for the E-series, but they aren't orderable online at the moment. Contact PSA if you need one.
- Pressure tank. A small tank on the discharge helps the drive hold pressure and stops it cycling on tiny draws, like a dripping tap. See Pressure Tanks.
- Electrical work. A licensed electrician must install and connect the drive, particularly on three phase supplies.
- Buying a matched pump instead. If the pump is also due for replacement, a pump supplied with its matched drive takes the guesswork out. See our guide to VSD pressure pumps.
All five controllers are available to order on backorder; contact PSA to confirm lead time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a single phase pump on the Hyjet E1?
No. The E1 takes single phase 240V in but outputs three phase 240V, so it needs a motor wound for three phase 240V. For a single phase motor up to 1.1kW, the E114 is the option.
Which VSD controller do I need for 400V three phase?
The E309 (4.0kW, 9A), E311 (4.0kW, 11A) or E318 (7.5kW, 18A). Choose by the motor's full load current on the nameplate.
Should I size a VSD by kW or amps?
By the motor's full load current. Two drives can share a kW rating but have different current ratings, and the current is what decides whether the drive will trip.
Does a VSD controller need a pressure transducer?
Yes. The drive holds pressure using a signal from a transducer on the discharge. Contact PSA for a transducer that suits the E-series.