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Pump Motor Power Formula:
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The Pump Motor Power calculation determines the required kilowatts (kW) for a pump motor based on flow rate, head, and specific gravity. This is essential for proper pump selection and energy efficiency analysis in fluid systems.
The calculator uses the pump power formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the hydraulic power required to move fluid through a system, accounting for flow rate, pressure head, and fluid density.
Details: Accurate pump power calculation is crucial for selecting properly sized motors, ensuring energy efficiency, preventing motor overload, and optimizing system performance in industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
Tips: Enter flow rate in GPM, head in feet, and specific gravity (1.0 for water). All values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, use measured values rather than estimated ones.
Q1: What is specific gravity and when should I change it?
A: Specific gravity is the ratio of fluid density to water density. Use 1.0 for water. Change it for other fluids (e.g., 0.8 for gasoline, 1.03 for seawater).
Q2: Does this calculation include pump efficiency?
A: No, this calculates hydraulic power. To get motor input power, divide by pump efficiency (typically 0.6-0.85).
Q3: What is the difference between hydraulic power and motor power?
A: Hydraulic power is the power delivered to the fluid. Motor power is the electrical input power, which is higher due to pump and motor inefficiencies.
Q4: Can I use this for different pump types?
A: Yes, this formula applies to centrifugal, positive displacement, and other pump types, though efficiency factors may vary.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for system design?
A: This provides a good estimate for preliminary sizing. For final design, consider safety factors, system curves, and manufacturer data.