1. What is Pump Power?

Pump power is the energy required by a pump to move a fluid at a specified 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)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (m³/s)
• \( H \) — Head (m)
• \( \eta \) — Pump efficiency (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 power calculation ensures proper pump selection, prevents motor overload, and helps in energy efficiency assessments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fluid density in kg/m³ (water = 1000 kg/m³), flow rate in m³/s, head in meters, and pump efficiency as a decimal (e.g., 0.85 for 85% efficiency).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical pump efficiency value?
A: Centrifugal pumps typically range from 40-85% efficiency, with larger pumps generally more efficient.

Q2: How do I convert flow rate from L/s to m³/s?
A: Divide L/s by 1000 (1 L/s = 0.001 m³/s).

Q3: What affects pump efficiency?
A: Pump design, size, operating point relative to BEP (Best Efficiency Point), and fluid viscosity all affect efficiency.

Q4: Why is density important?
A: Power requirement is directly proportional to fluid density. More dense fluids require more power.

Q5: What about viscous fluids?
A: This calculator is for Newtonian fluids. For viscous fluids, additional corrections may be needed.