Experimental Investigation of Power Signatures for Cavitation and Water Hammer in an Industrial Parallel Pumping System

Among the total energy consumption by utilities, pumping systems contribute 30%. It is evident that a tremendous energy saving potential is achievable by improving the energy efficiency and reducing faults in the pumping system. Thus, optimal operation of centrifugal pumps throughout the operating region is desired for improved energy efficiency and extended lifetime of the pumping system. The major harmful operations in centrifugal pumps include cavitation and water hammering. The pump faults are simulated in a real-time experimental setup and the operating point of the pump is estimated correspondingly. In this article, the experimental power quality and vibration measurements of cascade pumps during cavitation and water hammering is recorded for different operating conditions. The results are compared with the normal operating conditions of the pumping system for fault prediction and parameter estimation in a cascade water pumping system. Moreover, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis comparison of normal and water hammering (faulty condition) highlights the frequency response of the pumping system. Also, the various power quality issues, i.e., voltage, current, total harmonic distortion, power factor, and active, reactive, and apparent power for a cascade multipump control is discussed in this article. The vibration, FFT, and various power quality measurements serve as input data for the classification of faulty pump operating condition in contrast with the normal operation of pumping system.