Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance Analysis of a Centrifugal Pump: Effect of Insulation Retrofit on Heat Loss Reduction
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Centrifugal pumps are widely used in industry, agriculture, and the home. Their energy efficiency is determined by hydraulic losses, friction, and electrical losses in the drive system. This study experimentally examines the effect of external thermal insulation on the case heat transfer and the overall efficiency of a 0.5HP (0.373 kW) centrifugal pump. The suggested approach studies the case of an uninsulated pump at different insulation thicknesses – 5, 10, 15, 20 mm. The electric power, flow rate, head, surrounding temperature, fluid temperature, and case surface temperature are estimated to evaluate the hydraulic and thermal efficiency of the pump. The approximated heat loss from the case is observed to reduce from 31.5 W (uninsulated) to 16.8 W (with 20 mm insulation), suggesting a 46.7% reduction. The wire-to-water efficiency increases slightly from 12.25% to 12.28%. The findings suggest that insulating the external case might be successful in minimizing heat losses from the pump case. However, its effect on the overall efficiency of the pump seems to be small. The findings have to be considered within the framework of the measurement approach, experimental variability, and the necessity to ensure adequate cooling for the motor and other essential components.
Authors: Deepak Prasad, Ajay Kumar Singh
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222065742
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