Assessing the performance of high capacity submersible pumps used in waterways: experimental tests and computational model calibration

Worldwide, navigation is made possible in artificial waterways thanks to the support of a considerable number of high capacity pumps. In terms of energy-efficiency, many of these pumps do not operate optimally. Main reasons for this include pump oversizing and the absence of variable speed drive. In this communication, we present a hybrid modelling approach for assessing the actual performance of high capacity submersible pumps used in waterways. It is based on a novel, large experimental test bench and a computational model of the motor and pump system. The computational model achieves an accuracy of about 10% for predicting the flow rate, energy consumption and system efficiency. This hybrid tool may be valuably exploited to assess full scale pumping systems and lead to energy savings, for instance by improving the selection of the frequency applied to the motor considering the actual losses in suction and discharge pipes.