1. What is Hydraulic Pump Motor Power?

Hydraulic pump motor power is the amount of mechanical power required to drive a hydraulic pump to produce a specific flow rate against a certain pressure, accounting for the system's efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hydraulic power formula:

Where:

• \( Flow\ Rate \) — Pump flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
• \( Pressure \) — System pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI)
• \( Efficiency \) — Pump mechanical efficiency (decimal, typically 0.8-0.95)
• 1714 — Conversion factor to get horsepower

Explanation: The equation calculates the theoretical power required and then divides by efficiency to get actual required power.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Proper power calculation ensures you select a motor that can handle the hydraulic load without being oversized (wasting energy) or undersized (causing failure).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM, pressure in PSI, and efficiency as a decimal (e.g., 85% = 0.85). Default efficiency is set to 0.85 (85%).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical efficiency value for hydraulic pumps?
A: Gear pumps typically 80-90%, piston pumps 90-95%, and vane pumps 85-90%. Always check manufacturer specifications.

Q2: Why is the conversion factor 1714?
A: It comes from (231 in³/gal × 1 HP/33000 ft-lb/min × 12 in/ft) to convert GPM×PSI to HP.

Q3: Should I add a safety factor to the calculated power?
A: Yes, typically 10-25% depending on application to account for system losses and future demands.

Q4: Can I use this for metric units?
A: No, this formula is for US customary units. For metric (L/min and bar), use: Power = (Q × P) / (600 × η).

Q5: What affects hydraulic pump efficiency?
A: Pump type, wear, fluid viscosity, operating pressure, and temperature all impact efficiency.