# Software for Monitoring the In-Service Efficiency of Hydraulic Pumps
## 1 Introduction
The efficiency of pumping units is often relatively low because pumps are typically oversized [10]. The relative significance of different energy-using systems will vary depending on the system, yet a \"typical\" treatment system can be developed and presented. The distribution of energy within the water treatment conveyance, treatment, and distribution cycle of a surface water system shows one approach based on certain key assumptions. The data do not apply to all water treatment systems but instead provide context as to the energy issues within water treatment facilities. In this case, pumping sewage accounts for 67%, water treatment for 14%, raw water pumping for 11%, and in-plant water pumping for 8% [1] of total energy use. In addition to the energy costs, inefficient operation of the pump units could impact system reliability because the mechanical reliability of a pumping unit is linked to the pump efficiency, and any damage to a pump unit may entail substantial additional costs. Consequently, efficient pump operation over the lifespan of a system is a key element of any cost-reduction program. In general, adjusting the flow rate using the variable speed drive (VSD) of centrifugal pumps is efficient. When a VSD does not exist, the pump's duty point can be tuned using the valve installed on the pump discharge line or by modifying the number of operating pumps. These pump-tuning methods are frequently selected but are inefficient, leading to the adjustment of the flow rate through hydraulic losses. The surveyed literature underlines that studies of and patents for the monitoring of pump operating parameters exist, mostly oriented towards the determination of the pumped flow rate and the pumping head [11] by measuring the parameters of the electric motor that drives the pump. There are also concerns noted in studies and research about the reduction in the pumps' efficiency in their duty point [12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18]. The only parameter that is not measured, computed or informatively shown is the pump efficiency and the pumping station efficiency. Researchers state that the pump efficiency can be determined, but they do not provide a methodology or a solution to do so. At the same time, it is rather simple to measure the pressure, the flow rate and various electric parameters, regardless of the operating mode of the pumping stations (manual or automated), to particularize the operation of the pumps and the pumping unit and optimize the system in service. The paper presents the software solution developed for monitoring hydraulic pumps installed in pumping stations. The software identifies the pump's operating regime by determining the efficiency at the duty point and fitting this value within the boundaries set by the operator. To begin, one must know the efficiency behavior of the pump from the catalog or laboratory investigations. Efficiency can also be determined in situ using various indirect methods [15; 16; 17; 18] and subsequent calculations or direct methods, such as the thermodynamic method, which can be used in the case of large-capacity pumps [19; 20]. A pump's energetic behavior (efficiency curves) can be determined based on the manufacturer's catalog data or data obtained from previous tests [21]. The main geometric parameters can be determined in situ. All the geometric parameters and the coefficients of the longitudinal and local hydraulic losses are inserted in a visible barcode for each pump. After scanning the barcode with a smartphone, the operator inputs two parameters, \(p_{s}\)--suction pressure and \(p_{d}\)--discharge pressure, available on the two manometers already installed on the pumps. The software identifies the duty point of the pump and establishes the operating regime, comparing the value of the efficiency at the duty point to the maximum efficiency of the pump. Finally, the software issues a recommendation to the operator about its normal/abnormal operation and suggests to the operator how to act [22].