ENERGY AND HEAD

Moving fluids posses energy. In analyzing fluid flow problems, three forms of energy must be considered:
potential, kinetic, and pressure energy. These will be considered seperately.

Consider the fluid element within the conduit shown in Fig. 1. The element is located a distance z above a
reference datum and has a velocity V and pressure p.

V2
2g

Figure 1 Three forms of energy

Potential energy (PE) refers to the energy possessed by the element of fluid due to its elevation above a
reference datum.

PE = w z

Kinetic energy (KE) refers to the energy possessed by the element of fluid due to its velocity.

KE = 1 m V 2 = 1 w V 2
2 2 g

Pressure energy (FE), sometimes called flow energy, is the amount of work required to force the element of
fluid across a certain distance against the pressure.

FE = p A d = p Vol = p w / γ

Total energy (E) is the sum of PE, KE, and FE, or

E = wz + 1 wV2 +p w (1)
2 g γ

In fluid mechanics and hydraulics problems, it is convenient to work with energy expressed as "head" --- i.e.,
the amount of energy per unit weight of fluid.
Equation (1) can be modified to express total energy as a "head" (H) by dividing each term on the right-hand
side of the equation by W, the weight of the fluid. This gives

H = z + V 2 / 2g + p / γ (2)

The term:
z is known as the elevation head;
V2/2g is known as the velocity head;
p/γ is known as pressure head.
H is known as total head
The term in equation (2) is expressed in length units such as feet or meters.

Sample Problems:

1.) A fluid is flowing in a pipe 8 in. in diameter with a mean velocity of 10 ft/sec. The pressure at the center of
the pipe is 5 lb/in2, and the elevation of the pipe above the assumed datum 5 ft. compute the total head in
feet if the fluid is (a) water (b) oil (sp.gr. 0.80). ans: (a) 28.1 ft, (b) 31.0 ft

2.) A liquid (sp.gr. 2.0) is flowing in a 2-in.pipe. The total energy head at a given point is found to be 24.5 ft.
The elevation of the pipe above the datum is 10 ft, and the pressure in the pipe is 9.5 lb/in.2. Compute the
velocity of flow. ans: 15.1 ft/sec

3.) At a summit in a 12-in pipe line in which 6.0 cfs of water is flowing the elevation above datum is 30 ft and
total head is 15 ft. Compute the absolute pressure in the pipe. ans: 7.8 psia

4.) At point A where the suction pipe leading to a pump is 4 ft below the pump an open manometer indicates a
vacuum of 7 in. of mercury. The pipe is 4 in. diameter, and the discharges 1.1 cfs of oil (sp.gr. 0.85).
Compute the total head at point A with respect to a datum at the pump. ans: -10.9 ft.
BERNOULLI'S ENERGY THEOREM
In any stream flowing steadily without friction the total energy contained in a given mass is the same at
every point in its path of flow. The kinetic energy, pressure energy, and energy of position may each be
converted into either of the other two forms, theoretically without loss. Thus if there is a reduction in amount
of energy contained in any one form there must be equal gain in the sum of the other two.

V1

V2

Figure 2 Single stream (one-inlet one-exit) of fluid.

KE1 + FE1 + PE1 = KE2 + FE2 + PE2

V12 + p1 + z1 = V22 + p2 + z2 Bernoulli's Energy Equation

2g γ 2g γ

Bernoulli's Energy Equation including head lost, HL from point 1 to 2

V12 + p1 + z1 = V22 + p2 + z2 + HL
2g γ 2g γ

If energy is added to the stream between points 1 and 2, as for instance energy contributed by
mechanical device, such a pump as shown in Figure 3, the left side of the energy equation must
include the added head HA in feet (or meters) of the fluid.

Figure 3 Typical Pump Installation

Bernoulli's Energy Equation including added head, HA and head lost, HL from point 1 to 2

V12 + p1 + z1 + HA = V22 + p2 + z2 + HL
2g γ 2g γ
If energy is given up by the stream to a mechanical device, such as a turbine between points 1 and 2
as shown in Figure 4, the right side of the energy equation must include a term HE in feet (or meters)
of the fluid to represent head given up.

Figure 3 Typical Hydraulic Turbine Installation

Bernoulli's Energy Equation including added head, HA and head lost, HL from point 1 to 2

V12 + p1 + z1 = V22 + p2 + z2 + HE + HL
2g γ 2g γ

Conditions for the use of Bernoulli's Equation:

1.) Select a datum plane for each equation written. The low point is logical in that minus signs are avoided and
mistakes reduced in number.
2.) For pressure head, gage are simpler and will be used for liquids. Absolute pressure head units must be
used where specific weight is not constant.
3.) If a section is exposed to atmosphere, then the pressure at that section is zero.
4.) If the surface area of the reservoir is large relative to the area of the opening and if h is constant, the
velocity can be considered zero.

THEORITICAL POWER, P

English Units:

P(hp) = γ Q H = lbf/ft3 x ft3/sec x ft = horsepower (or hp) ; 1 hp = 550 ft-lbf/sec

550

SI Units:

P(kW) = γ Q H = kN/m3 x m3/sec x m = kilowatts, or (kW)

For pumps: H = HA , Head added (also known as Total Dynamic Head or TDH)

For turbine: H = HE, Head given up (also known as Effective Head of Heff)

For Pump: P = pump output fluid power (or pump theoretical power)
For turbine: P = fluid (water) power, turbine input fluid power (or turbine theoretical power)
In Fluid Power

P(hp) = p (lbf/in2) X Q (gal/min) = p (kN/m2) X Q (liters/min)

1714 44760

EFFICIENCIES OF PUMPS AND TURBINES

It is important to be able to determine the amount of mechanical power that a prime mover (such as an
electric motor) must deliver to drive a pump. Similarly, it is important to be able to determine how much
mechanical power a hydraulic turbine will deliver to drive an external load such as electric generator. This
mechanical power is typically transmitted via a rotating shaft as shown in illustration 1 and 2. Thus the
mechanical energy delivered by the prime mover to the pump or by the hydraulic turbine to the load is
commonly referred to as shaft work (Brake power).
Not all the input mechanical power to a pump is converted into fluid power. Similarly, not all fluid power
from fluid is converted into output mechanical power of a hydraulic turbine. Energy is loss due to mechanical
friction in the bearings and between other mating parts of a pump or hydraulic turbine. In addition, energy
losses can be due to fluid friction and turbulence within the pump or hydraulic turbine. To take into account
these frictional energy losses, the following two efficiency equations have been established.

 Efficiency of Pump (np)

The equation for efficiency of a pump is

np = pump output fluid power (or Theoretical power) x 100%

pump input mechanical power, P(Brake Power)

Illustration 1: P(brake power)

Brake Power of the Pump therefore, P(Brake Power) = γ Q H , kW or hp

np

Efficiency of a Hydraulic Turbine (nt)

nt = turbine output mechanical power, P(Brake Power) x 100%

turbine input fluid power (or Theoretical Power)

P(brake power)

Brake Power of the turbine therefore, P(Brake Power) = γ Q H nt , kW or hp