1. What is the AC Heat Pump HP Calculation?

The horsepower calculation determines the power required for an AC heat pump to move fluid at a specified flow rate against a given head pressure, accounting for fluid properties and system efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard pump horsepower formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
• \( H \) — Total dynamic head in feet
• \( SG \) — Specific gravity of fluid (1 for water)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (0-1 decimal)
• 3960 — Conversion factor (foot-pounds per minute to HP)

Explanation: The equation calculates the power needed to move fluid against gravity and system resistance, adjusted for fluid density and mechanical losses.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correct HP calculation ensures the heat pump can handle the required flow while maintaining energy efficiency. Oversizing wastes energy, undersizing causes poor performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM, head in feet, specific gravity (1 for water), and pump efficiency (typically 0.7-0.9). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's typical efficiency for AC heat pumps?
A: Modern units range from 0.75-0.92. Check manufacturer specifications for exact values.

Q2: How do I measure total dynamic head?
A: It's the sum of static head (vertical distance) and friction losses in pipes/valves.

Q3: What if my fluid isn't water?
A: Use the specific gravity of your fluid (e.g., 0.8 for many refrigerants, 1.03 for seawater).

Q4: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Engineers often add 10-20% to calculated HP for safety margins and future expansion.

Q5: How does this relate to tons of refrigeration?
A: 1 HP ≈ 0.285 refrigeration tons. The cooling capacity depends on COP as well.