1. What is Pump Power?

Pump power is the energy required by a pump to move a fluid at a certain flow rate against a specific head. It's a crucial parameter in pump selection and system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Pump power (W)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( H \) — Head (m)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (decimal, 0-1)

Explanation: The equation calculates the theoretical power required to move the fluid, then divides by pump efficiency to get actual power requirement.

3. Importance of Pump Power Calculation

Details: Accurate pump power calculation ensures proper pump selection, prevents under/over-sizing, and helps in energy consumption estimation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in m³/s, density in kg/m³, gravity in m/s² (default 9.81), head in meters, and efficiency as decimal (0-1). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical pump efficiencies?
A: Centrifugal pumps typically range from 40-85%, while positive displacement pumps can reach 90% efficiency.

Q2: How to convert power to horsepower?
A: Divide watts by 746 to get horsepower (HP).

Q3: What if my flow rate is in L/min?
A: Convert to m³/s by dividing L/min by 60,000 (1 m³/s = 60,000 L/min).

Q4: Why is density important?
A: Power requirement is directly proportional to fluid density (water = 1000 kg/m³).

Q5: What affects pump efficiency?
A: Pump type, size, operating point, wear, and fluid viscosity all impact efficiency.