Determination of Peak Efficiency of a Centrifugal Pump Operating with Different Rotational Speeds and Discharges

Abstract

The aim of this experiment is designed to determine the peak efficiency of a centrifugal pump by comparing theoretical and
measured power for different discharge capacity and rotational speeds. While reducing the power supplied to a pump, revolutions per minute (rpm) will decrease along with head pressure and flow rates. The theoretical and measured power consumption was evaluated to provide performance, flow and efficiency curves. Two sets of tests were conducted at different power rates and rotational speeds of 3174 rpm and 2105 rpm respectively. For both tests, flow rate was reduced at ten percent where pressure differences between the inlet and outlet of the pump were recorded. Efficiency ratios were determined by dividing the power used by the pump to create head pressure and the actual power delivered to the pump. The test results
shows that the peak efficiency ( = 0.48) observed at higher rotational speed of 3174 rpm for 70% discharge capacity. Slight variations in measurements are likely to be from minor errors in gauge readings affected by the fluid control valve, particularly in low flows.