1. What is the Heat Pump Horsepower Equation?

The heat pump horsepower equation calculates the required pump power based on flow rate, head pressure, fluid properties, and pump efficiency. It's essential for properly sizing Mitsubishi heat pump systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the horsepower equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM)
• \( H \) — Total head (feet)
• \( SG \) — Specific gravity of fluid (1 for water)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (decimal, typically 0.7-0.9)
• 3960 — Conversion factor (ft-lb/min per HP)

Explanation: The equation calculates the power required to move a specific volume of fluid against a given pressure head, accounting for pump efficiency.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing a heat pump is crucial for energy efficiency, system longevity, and optimal performance. Oversizing increases costs and reduces efficiency, while undersizing leads to inadequate heating/cooling.

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 is typical efficiency for Mitsubishi heat pumps?
A: Modern Mitsubishi heat pumps typically have efficiencies between 0.75-0.90 (75-90%).

Q2: How do I determine flow rate and head for my system?
A: Flow rate depends on system requirements, while head is calculated from pipe friction losses and elevation changes.

Q3: What if I'm using a fluid other than water?
A: Adjust the specific gravity parameter for your fluid (e.g., 0.8 for some glycol solutions).

Q4: Should I add a safety factor to the calculated HP?
A: It's common practice to add 10-20% to the calculated HP to account for system variations and future needs.

Q5: How does this relate to SEER and HSPF ratings?
A: While this calculates mechanical power requirements, SEER/HSPF ratings measure overall system energy efficiency.