Modeling variable speed pumps in parallel with different pump curves

  Applies To 
  Product(s): WaterCAD, WaterGEMS
  Version(s): 08.11.XX.XXand higher
  Area:  Modeling

Problem

I have multiple variable speed pumps in parallel, but some of them have different pump curves. This is the way they are in the field. How can I model this?

Solution

Because of the constraints for parallel VSPs (they must all use the same pump curve), there are only options:

1) If the pump curves are close enough to each other then you can approximate an "average" pump curve for all the pumps so you model them in parallel as VSP's.

2) Model the pumps that have the same pump curve as VSPs and then model the other pumps that don't have the same pump curves as regular pumps that have all the necessary controls on them to make them act like VSPs. This may require a series of controls to adjust the speed.

See Also

Modeling variable speed pumps (VSP’s) in parallel

"Parallel VSPs" Help topic

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