⚙️ Pump Capacity & Energy Cost Calculator

Size your irrigation pump by calculating water horsepower, brake horsepower, motor size, and daily energy costs.

Enter flow rate, total dynamic head, efficiencies, electricity price, and hours to get power requirements and energy costs.

📊 Results

Water HP (HP)-

Brake HP (HP)-

Motor Power (kW)-

Energy Cost/day-

🧮 Formula & How It Works

Water HP = (GPM × Head ft) ÷ 3960

Brake HP = Water HP ÷ Pump Efficiency%

Motor kW = BHP × 0.7457 ÷ Motor Efficiency%

📊 Calculation Example

500 GPM at 100 ft TDH: WHP = 50,000÷3960 = 12.63 HP. At 70%: BHP = 18.04 HP. Motor 90%: 14.95 kW. At $0.12/kWh × 8hr = $14.35/day.

📖 How to Use This Calculator

1. Required flow rate. 2. TDH (elevation + friction + pressure). 3. Pump/motor efficiency. 4. Electricity rate and hours. Calculate.

🌾 About This Tool

Proper pump sizing ensures flow and pressure while minimizing energy. TDH includes elevation lift, friction loss, and operating pressure.

⚠️ Common Mistakes & Tips

Ignoring friction loss in TDH. Using BEP flow for all conditions. Not accounting for voltage drop.

✓ Expert Reviewed: This calculator and its content have been reviewed by agricultural experts. Formulas are based on standard extension service recommendations.

📚 References & Sources

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) — Agricultural production and nutrition guidelines
USDA NRCS — Field Office Technical Guide and conservation practice standards
Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension System — crop and livestock recommendations

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is TDH? ▼

Elevation lift + friction loss (pipes/fittings) + pressure head (operating pressure).

Typical pump efficiency? ▼

Centrifugal 60-80% at BEP. Submersible 55-75%. Worn pumps 10-20% less.

Reduce energy costs? ▼

VFD drives, regular maintenance, right-sized pipes, off-peak rates.