Study of The Design and Working Mechanism of Electric Water Pump
Study of The Design and Working Mechanism of Electric Water Pump
A project report
Science in physics
By
Sangit Bhusal
Class: XII
Section: E
…………………..
Advisor
Department of physics
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The outcome of this project required a lot of guidance and supervision from a number of people,
and I am extremely fortunate to receive such proper supervision for the completion of the
project. The completion of this project became possible only due to the assistance and
instructions provided to me. I will never forget to thank them. First of all, I would like to show
my gratitude to St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar along with Department of Physics and head of
Physics Department, Ram Sundar Matang for providing me the opportunity to work on such a
wonderful project. I am truly grateful to the project supervisor, HARI KISHOR SHAH. I am
thankful for their constant encouragement and support towards the completion of this project.
I am also thankful to my family, friends and all the researchers who provided the research
papers that were used for the project. Lastly, I thank all my friends, and my parents for their
moral and financial support towards the completion of this project.
………………….
SANGIT BHUSAL
LEVEL: +2
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TABLE OF CONTENT
COVER PAGE i
RECOMMENDATION ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
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INTRODUCTION
A pump is equipment that transfers a fluid (liquid or gas) or slurries through mechanical action
by converting electrical power into hydraulic power. The working of a pump depends on various
energy sources such as wind power, manual operation, engines, or electricity. There are
multiple types of pumps and the electric water pump is one of them.
An electric pump is a device that uses electricity to move fluids, such as chemicals, oil, or
water. This pump is driven by an electric motor. The electric motor gets power from the
transformer via the switchboard. An electric water pump is a vital component in various
industries and applications, playing a key role in circulating water and maintaining the efficient
operation of systems. From residential water supply to industrial cooling systems, electric water
pumps are relied upon for their ability to move water quickly and effectively. Electric water
pump is used to transmit water from a source of water for immediate use or storage in reservoirs,
dams, overhead or underground tanks for future use. Storage of water for future use is necessary
due to its necessity, high demand and scarcity of its supply. Nowadays, many homes in
developing countries have
boreholes where water is pumped
using hand pump or submersible
and surface electric water pump
into overhead tanks for storage to
be used immediately or in future.
Hand pump or mechanical or
manual pump uses man or animal
power to extract water from a
water source; a well or borehole.
They are the most economical and
simple way of providing water in
rural and suburban areas but has
the challenge of requiring physical exertion by man which is slow and inefficient. Electric water
pump on the other hand is more convenient and efficient and does not require physical exertion
of power. In electric water pump, electricity is used to power a water pump to transmit water to
storage tank.
An electric water pump is a vital component in various industries and applications, playing a
key role in circulating water and maintaining the efficient operation of systems. From residential
water supply to industrial cooling systems, electric water pumps are relied upon for their ability
to move water quickly and effectively. In this article, we will explore the inner workings of
electric water pumps, their history, components, types, advantages, applications, and
maintenance. Electric water pumps provide a reliable and convenient solution for pumping
water, especially when compared to traditional diesel or petrol-powered pumps. They use an
electric motor to drive impellers or propellers, creating the necessary flow and pressure to move
water from one location to another. While these pumps may seem like a relatively simple piece
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of equipment, their design and functionality involve several key components and principles.
Understanding how electric water pumps work is crucial for anyone involved in water
management, plumbing, or system maintenance. This article aims to provide you with
comprehensive insights into the fascinating world of electric water pumps. Electric water pump
offers energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and versatile solutions for water movement in
residential, agricultural, and industrial settings. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting are
crucial for ensuring their reliable performance. From residential water supply to firefighting,
these pumps play a vital role in efficient water management.
The story of electric water pumps begins in the late 19th century, during the exciting era when
electricity was transforming industries and daily life. Prior to the introduction of electric power,
water pumps were predominantly powered by steam engines or hand-operated mechanisms. The
late 1800s marked the debut of the first electric water pumps. These early models were fairly
simple, pairing a basic electric motor with a centrifugal pump. However, they quickly gained
popularity due to their convenience and efficiency compared to traditional pumps. As the 20th
century unfolded, advancements in electric motor technology brought remarkable improvements
to water pumps. More powerful and efficient motors allowed for higher water flow rates and
better pressure control. At the same time, the introduction of materials like stainless steel and
durable polymers made these pumps more resistant to wear and corrosion, significantly
extending their lifespan. As industries grew and technology advanced, electric water pumps
found their way into a wide range of applications. From agricultural irrigation and wastewater
treatment to HVAC systems and firefighting, electric water pumps became indispensable tools in
various sectors. In recent years, the rising demand for energy-efficient and environmentally
friendly equipment has driven further innovation in electric water pump technology.
Manufacturers have focused on developing pumps with variable speed drives and smart control
systems to optimize energy consumption. These advancements have not only improved the
efficiency and performance of electric water pumps but also reduced their environmental impact.
Today, electric water pumps are essential components in residential, commercial, and industrial
settings. Their continued development and integration with smart technologies are reshaping the
way we manage and distribute water, providing sustainable and efficient solutions for a wide
range of applications.
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1. Centrifugal Pumps: These are among the most popular types of electric water pumps.
They operate by converting the rotational energy into kinetic energy through an impeller.
The impeller generates centrifugal force, which increases the water's velocity. This
velocity is then transformed into pressure as water moves through a diffuser or volute.
Centrifugal pumps are ideal for applications requiring high flow rates and moderate
pressure, such as residential, commercial, and industrial use.
2. Submersible Pumps: Designed for full submersion in water, submersible pumps are
used to draw water from deep wells or underground sources. These pumps are
hermetically sealed and often come with integrated motors. Common applications include
domestic water supply, irrigation, groundwater management, and wastewater drainage.
3. Jet Pumps: Jet pumps use a combination of centrifugal force and the Venturi effect to
generate pressure. They feature a nozzle and diffuser system that creates a vacuum,
allowing water to be drawn from the source and pressurized. Jet pumps are typically used
for shallow wells, water supply systems, and residential purposes.
4. Booster Pumps: These pumps are specifically designed to enhance water pressure in
existing plumbing systems. They are often employed in homes or buildings where water
pressure is insufficient, ensuring an adequate flow for faucets, showers, and other
fixtures.
5. Diaphragm Pumps: Utilizing a flexible diaphragm, these pumps create a pulsating
action to move water. They are self-priming and can handle liquids containing solids or
abrasive materials, making them suitable for applications such as irrigation, spraying, and
dewatering.
6. Vertical Turbine Pumps: These pumps are used to lift water from deep wells or
reservoirs. They consist of multiple stages, each with an impeller and a diffuser, enabling
them to achieve high flow rates and significant lift. Common uses include irrigation,
municipal water supply, and industrial applications.
7. Peripheral Pumps: Also known as regenerative pumps, these use a rotating impeller
with multiple blades to generate pressure and flow. They are well-suited for applications
requiring high pressure but lower flow rates, such as residential pressure boosting and
small-scale irrigation.
8. Positive Displacement Pumps: These pumps deliver a consistent volume of water with
each cycle, making them reliable for applications requiring steady flow. Unlike
centrifugal pumps, they move water directly through the pump without relying on
external motion. The impeller draws water in at the center and pushes it out through an
outlet, creating a vacuum that continuously draws in more water, ensuring uninterrupted
flow.
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OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study is to analyze and understand the design and working
mechanisms of electric water pumps. This includes:
1. Investigating the structural components and design features of the electric water pumps.
2. Examining the operational principles and the working mechanism involved in their
functionality.
3. Identifying the different types of the electric water pump.
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METHODOLOGY
The methodology for the study of the design and working mechanism of electric water pumps
will involve a combination of theoretical analysis, and comparative evaluation. The following
steps outline the approach:
1. Literature Review:
Electric water pumps were categories such as centrifugal, submersible, jet, diaphragm,
booster, vertical turbine, peripheral, and positive displacement pumps. The design
elements and components of each pump type were analyzed, including the impeller,
motor, casing, shaft, and seals.
The performance of different pumps types based on collected data were evaluated. The
suitability of each pump for specific applications (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial,
or agricultural) were compared.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
An electric water pump is a device that uses electricity to move water from one place to another.
It’s commonly used in a variety of applications, including domestic water supply, irrigation, and
industrial processes.
Electric Motor: The electric motor is the heart of the water pump. It converts electrical
energy into mechanical energy to drive the
impeller or propeller. Electric motors used in
water pumps are typically either induction
motors or brushless DC motors, depending on
the specific application and requirements.
Impeller/Propeller: The impeller or propeller is
responsible for creating the flow and pressure
necessary to move water. It consists of curved
blades that push water in a specific direction.
Depending on the pump type, the impeller may
be housed inside a volute or diffuser to direct the flow of
water.
Volute/Diffuser: The volute or diffuser is a stationary casing
surrounding the impeller. It helps to convert the kinetic energy
by the impeller into pressure energy, increasing the water’s
pressure as it exits the pump.
Fan and protective case: Fan is in the back side of the motor which is used to cool down
the motor which will blow the ambient air over the casing to dissipate the unwanted heat.
Fin: It is used to increase the surface area and it lies over the motor.
Suction inlet and Discharge outlet: They lie in the pump region. Suction inlet is used to
inlet the water due to the force creates by the impeller and discharge outlet is used to
discharge the water. The size and type of connections depend on the pump’s capacity and
intended application
Pump Casing: It is enclosed within impeller and use to maintain the water balance while
inletting and discharging the water.
Stator: It lies in the motor region of the water pump. It consists of the copper coil either
in the 1 phase or 3 phase depending on its mechanism.
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Shaft and Rotor: They are connected to the stator and the have the feature of rotating
causing the impeller to rotate. The shaft is connected to the impeller through stuffing box,
gland and packing. Generally shafts are of two type’s i.e. motor shaft and pump shaft.
They are connected to each other by coupling.
Housing or Casing: The housing or casing encloses all the components of the pump and
provides protection and support. It is usually made of durable materials such as cast iron,
stainless steel, or high-quality plastics, depending on the pump’s intended application and
environment.
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Parameters
1. Head: It is the measure of the energy imparted to the fluid by the pump, expressed as the
height to which the pump can raise the fluid.
2. Elevation: Elevations refers to the vertical heights components of the system that affects
the pump performance.
3. NPSH: NPSH stands for Net Positive Suction Head, a critical parameter in pump design
and operation. It represents the pressure available at the pumps suction to prevent
cavitation.
There are basically two types of NPSH. They are:
NPSHR: It is the minimum pressure required at the pump suction in order to
avoid cavitation. For this value various pumps are tested and it can be obtained
from pump manufacture by pump operating chart. It depends upon pump design,
impeller geometry and flow rate.
NPSHA: This is actual pressure available at the pump suction, determined by
the system design.
In the electric pump, NPSHA must be always higher than NPSHR in order to avoid the
cavitation.
4. Cavitation: Since pressure is drop at suction inlet, it becomes easier for the water to boil.
If this pressure is less than vapor pressure in the pump, water reaches at the boiling point.
Hence, this phenomenon is called cavitation. During cavitation, air particle of the water
molecule expand and collide rapidly in on them resulting on damaging impeller. When
this phenomenon continues it will remove the metal from the surface eventually
destroying the pump.
5. System curve: A fluid flow system is characterized with the system Curve - a graphical
presentation of the Energy Equation. The system head visualized in the System Curve
above is a function of elevation - or the static head and the major and minor losses in the
system.
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6. Pump Performance Curve: The pump characteristic is normally described graphically
by the manufacturer as the pump performance curve. The pump performance curve
describes the relation between the flow rate and the head for the actual pump. Increasing
the impeller diameter or speed increases the head and flow rate capacity - and the pump
curve moves upwards. The head capacity can be increased by connecting two or
more pumps in series, or the flow rate capacity can be increased by connecting two or
more pumps in parallel.
7. Insulation type: The term "insulation type" typically refers to the electrical insulation
classification of the motor used to drive the pump. This classification indicates the
thermal resistance of the motor windings to heat and their ability to withstand
temperature during operation.
8. Flow rate: Flow rate refers to the volume of fluid that the pump can move through its
system in a given amount of time. It is typically denoted by “Q” and is a fundamental
parameter for pump selection and system design.
Units of Flow Rate: Cubic meters per hour (m³/h), Liters per second (L/s), Gallons per
minute (GPM)
Q=A*v
Where, Q= Flow rate (e.g., m³/s), A= Cross-sectional area of the pipe (e.g., m²)
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9. Insulation type: It refers to the electrical insulation classification of the motor used to
drive the pump. This classification indicates the thermal resistances of the motor
windings to heat and their ability to withstand temperature during the operations.
10. Efficiency: The efficiency of an electric water pump refers to how effectively it converts
electrical energy into mechanical energy for pumping water. It is typically expressed as a
percentage and can be calculated using the formula:
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intensity as well as polarity as electron passing through it changes its direction in forward and
backwards. But if they are connected to different phase, then magnetic field of each coil will
change its intensity and polarity with respect to each other. To distribute such a magnetic field,
we rotate the coil 120 degree from the previous phase and insert them into stator. This will create
the effect of a rotating magnetic field. At the center of the stator, we place a rotor and a shaft.
The rotor will be affected by the rotating magnetic field and it will force it to rotate. Since it is
connected to the shaft, shaft will also
turn if the rotor will turn from the fan
through the rotor all the way up to the
impeller. In this way when rotor
rotates so will the impeller.
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Advantages of Electric Water Pumps
Electric water pumps offer numerous advantages over traditional pumps powered by diesel or
petrol engines. These benefits make them a preferred choice in various applications. Here are
some of the key advantages of electric water pumps:
1. Energy Efficiency: Electric water pumps are known for their high energy efficiency
compared to combustion engine pumps. Electric motors convert electrical energy into
mechanical energy with minimal loss, resulting in less wasted energy and reduced
operating costs.
3. Lower Operating Costs: Electric water pumps generally have lower operating costs due
to their higher energy efficiency and the relatively low cost of electricity compared to
fuel. They are also easier to maintain as they have fewer mechanical components and
require less frequent servicing.
4. Convenient and Easy to Use: Electric water pumps are easy to operate and require
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minimal setup. They can be conveniently connected to electrical power sources such as
the grid or generators. Once connected, they can be controlled easily using switches or
control panels.
5. Reliable Performance: Electric water pumps offer reliable and consistent performance,
especially when properly maintained. They are less prone to breakdowns and have a
longer operational life compared to combustion engine pumps. This reliability is crucial,
particularly in critical applications such as firefighting or industrial processes.
6. Versatility: Electric water pumps are available in various sizes and types, making them
suitable for a wide range of applications. From residential water supply to agricultural
irrigation, municipal water systems, and industrial processes, electric water pumps can
adapt to different scenarios.
These advantages make electric water pumps an attractive choice for many applications. Their
energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, lower operating costs, and ease of use contribute
to their growing popularity in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
While electric water pumps offer numerous benefits, they also have some disadvantages to
consider depending on the application and specific requirements. Understanding these drawbacks
helps in making informed decisions. Some of the main disadvantages of electric water pumps are
given below:
2. Limited Mobility: Electric water pumps are stationary devices that require a fixed
installation and power source. This limits their mobility and flexibility compared to
portable pumps powered by petrol or diesel engines.
3. Initial Cost: Electric water pumps may have a higher initial cost compared to some types
of traditional pumps. The cost of the electric motor, control panel (if needed), and the
necessary electrical infrastructure can add to the overall expense. However, the lower
operating and maintenance costs over time may offset the initial investment.
4. Power Limitations: Electric water pumps may have limitations in terms of power
availability. In areas with unreliable or insufficient electrical infrastructure, it may be
challenging to operate electric pumps optimally. In such cases, alternative power sources
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or upgrading the electrical system may be necessary.
6. Size and Space: Electric water pumps may require a dedicated space for installation due
to their size and the need for electrical connections. In situations where space is limited,
such as in compact residential or commercial buildings, finding suitable installation
locations can be a challenge.
7. Specific Applications: Electric water pumps may not be the ideal choice for certain
specialized applications. For example, in remote areas without access to electricity,
alternative pump options like solar-powered pumps or hand-operated pumps may be
more suitable.
Considering these disadvantages alongside the advantages allows for a well-informed decision
when selecting an electric water pump. It is important to evaluate the specific requirements of the
application, the availability of power, and the overall cost-effectiveness in the long run.
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CONCLUSION
Electric water pumps have transformed the way we manage and distribute water across a wide
range of industries and applications. Whether it’s for residential water supply, agricultural
irrigation, industrial processes, or firefighting, these pumps have become indispensable for
efficient water movement and circulation. This article has covered various aspects of electric
water pumps, including their history, components, working mechanisms, types, advantages,
applications, and maintenance. We’ve discovered that electric water pumps offer several key
benefits, such as energy efficiency, eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness.
They deliver consistent and dependable performance, ensuring the smooth operation of systems
while promoting sustainable water management practices. Originating in the 19th century,
electric pumps have advanced from basic hydraulic systems to highly efficient, smart-enabled
devices. This transformation has been facilitated by breakthroughs in material science, impeller
design, and energy-efficient motor technology
Electric water pumps come in different types, each designed to meet specific needs. For instance,
centrifugal pumps are ideal for residential use, submersible pumps excel in agricultural
irrigation, and booster pumps are tailored for industrial applications. With such versatility,
there’s a pump suitable for virtually any scenario. Maintaining electric water pumps is crucial for
optimal performance and longevity. Essential maintenance practices include regular inspections,
cleaning the impeller, checking seals and gaskets, monitoring motor temperatures, and
scheduling professional servicing. Promptly addressing common issues can also help prevent
breakdowns and ensure uninterrupted operation.
In summary, electric water pumps are vital to water management and circulation. Their
efficiency, reliability, and adaptability make them essential in homes, businesses, and industries
alike. By understanding their functionality, prioritizing routine maintenance, and addressing any
operational concerns, we can fully leverage the benefits of electric water pumps and ensure a
steady, efficient water supply for diverse applications.
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FUTURE SCOPE OF THIS PROJECT
Electric pumps continue to play a crucial role in various sectors, and their future development
offers opportunities to enhance performance, efficiency, and adaptability. Key areas of focus for
future research include:
By exploring these areas, the project can contribute significantly to the innovation, sustainability,
and efficiency of electric water pump technologies in the future.
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REFERENCES
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energy”
2. Smith, J., et al. (2020). "Impeller Design and Cavitation Analysis in Centrifugal Pumps"
Journal of Fluid Mechanics,
3. T Huang, T Zhai, et al. (2020). “The Design and Implementation of Automatic Electronic
Water Pump Test System
4. Jones, A., & Patel, R. (2019). "Advances in Polymer Composites for Pump Applications"
Materials Science Review,
5. Chen, Y., et al. (2021). "Energy Optimization in Modern Pump Systems" International
Journal of Energy Efficiency
6. Historical data on early pump designs: www.historyofpumps.com
7. How Does An Electric Water Pump Work | Storable
8. M Velasco, O Probst, et al. (2004). “Theory of wind electric water pumping”
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