A Spreadsheet Program For The Calculation Of Piping Systems And The Selection Of Pumps

An important topic taught in most energy related mechanical engineering courses, such as thermal design or HVAC, are piping system calculations coupled with the required pump calculations, so as to appropriately select a pump. To facilitate this instruction, an Excel workbook program, Pump_Pipe.xls, has been developed that will perform flow system calculations and pump selection analysis. The spreadsheet performs both the piping system calculations and the pump selection analysis. After a brief review of basic pump analysis and piping system analysis, this paper continues with a description of the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is then demonstrated with a very simple flow system. Two design problems are then worked with the program. One problem deals with a large water system (part of the California State Water System), while the other problem looks at pump selection for automotive oil cooling system. Results of these problems show both the utility of the spreadsheet, as well as its shortcomings. The paper concludes with comments and recommendations.