Performance evaluation of a centrifugal pump system under variable speed operation
Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAIEE
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this research project investigates the performance of a centrifugal pump system
under variable speed operation. Operating a pump under variable speed operation brings the affinity
laws into play. These equations were firstly investigated before it was applied to the overall
investigation of pump performance. Distinction is made between three types of systems, a system
with high static head (lift system), the second system is a high loss system with no- or little static head
and the third is a mixed type system. The “correct” affinity laws were then used to apply to a system
with a minimum pressure requirement. The theory proved accurate and was confirmed by practical
findings. It has been found that both the pump and the VSD experience a slight drop in efficiency for
small changes in speed. A maximum of 5% drop occurred in the efficiency of the pump for a 30%
reduction in speed. Further reductions in speed resulted in a more rapid drop in efficiency.
Description
CITATION: Kuhn, C, & Randewijk, P. J. 2013. Performance evaluation of a centrifugal pump system under variable speed operation, in Proceedings of the Southern African Universities Power Engineering Conference, SAUPEC, 31 January and 1 February 2013,
North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, pp. 116-121.
The original publication is available at https://www.saiee.org.za
The original publication is available at https://www.saiee.org.za
Keywords
Variable speed drives, Pumping machinery, Centrifugal pumps
Citation
121
Kuhn, C, & Randewijk, P. J. 2013. Performance evaluation of a centrifugal pump system under variable speed operation, in Proceedings of the Southern African Universities Power Engineering Conference, SAUPEC, 31 January and 1 February 2013, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, pp. 116-121.
Kuhn, C, & Randewijk, P. J. 2013. Performance evaluation of a centrifugal pump system under variable speed operation, in Proceedings of the Southern African Universities Power Engineering Conference, SAUPEC, 31 January and 1 February 2013, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, pp. 116-121.