Quantifying Head Loss Contributions to the Total Pumping Head and Energy Consumption in Electrical Submersible Pumpsets

Abstract

This research investigated several subcomponents of head losses for submersible pumpsets during April, 2017– September, 2018 and April, 2018–September, 2019. The study aimed to identify factors responsible for excessive energy used by pump sets and to take corrective measures to reduce unnecessary energy use. The study quantifies the role of different sub-components of head on total pump head in a groundwater irrigated area in the North-Western state of Haryana. Total system head was a crucial factor affecting energy requirements for groundwater pumping, especially in regions experiencing declining groundwater levels. For this research, a total of thirty electrically powered submersible pump sets were chosen. Primary data from farmers and site parameters were used for estimating the various head losses. The overall system head varied between 9.5 and 51.1 m, with the pumping water level accounting for 57.7–95.9% of the total head (Average 80.7%). Similarly, on average, friction losses accounted for 13.8%, the height of the delivery pipe for 3.8%, and the velocity head for 1.8% of the total head.   Given the importance of the system head’s sub-components in the study area, it was recommended to implement appropriate water conservation measures to raise groundwater levels in the region, thereby reducing energy consumption and supporting groundwater sustainability. Furthermore, suitable mechanical improvements could be implemented to reduce energy loss from friction and promoted energy conservation by switching to an HDPE pipe of an appropriate diameter.