1. What is Pump Motor Power Calculation?

The pump motor power calculation determines the required power for a pump to move a fluid at a specified flow rate against a given head, considering the fluid's density and the system's efficiency. It's essential for proper pump selection and system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power (kW)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (m³/h)
• \( H \) — Head (m)
• \( \rho \) — Density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( \eta \) — Efficiency (0-1)

Explanation: The equation calculates the hydraulic power needed to move the fluid, then divides by the pump efficiency to get the required motor power.

3. Importance of Proper Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation ensures the pump motor is properly sized - neither undersized (which would fail to meet requirements) nor oversized (which would waste energy and increase costs).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in m³/h, head in meters, density in kg/m³ (1000 for water), and efficiency as a decimal (typically 0.7-0.9 for centrifugal pumps). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical efficiency range for pumps?
A: Centrifugal pumps typically have 70-90% efficiency, while positive displacement pumps can reach 90-95%.

Q2: Should I add a safety factor to the calculated power?
A: Yes, it's common practice to add 10-20% safety margin to account for system uncertainties and future needs.

Q3: How does viscosity affect the power requirement?
A: Higher viscosity fluids require more power. For viscous fluids, specialized calculations or pump types may be needed.

Q4: What if my flow is in L/s instead of m³/h?
A: Convert L/s to m³/h by multiplying by 3.6 (1 L/s = 3.6 m³/h).

Q5: Does this calculation include motor efficiency?
A: No, this calculates hydraulic power. To get electrical input power, divide the result by the motor efficiency.