A tool used to predict the performance characteristics of a pumping system under various operating conditions typically presents information graphically, illustrating the relationship between flow rate, head pressure, efficiency, and power consumption. For instance, it can help determine the optimal operating point for a specific application by showing where the highest efficiency is achieved.
Accurate prediction of system behavior is crucial for efficient operation, preventing equipment damage, and ensuring the system meets design requirements. This ability to model performance allows engineers to optimize system design and select the most appropriate pump for a given application, contributing significantly to energy savings and cost reduction. Historically, these calculations were performed manually, but advances in computing have made automated tools readily available, increasing both speed and accuracy in system design.