Open-source automated centrifugal pump test rig.

Semenzin, C. S., Mapley, M., Wu, E., Pauls, J. P., Simpson, B., Gregory, S. D., & Tansley, G. (2020). Open-source automated centrifugal pump test rig. HardwareX, 8, [e00140]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2020.e00140

Design methods for large industrial pumps are well developed, but they cannot be relied upon when designing specialised miniature pumps, due to scaling issues. Therefore, the design and development phase of small pumps demand numerous experimental tests to ensure a viable prototype. Of initial interest is hydraulic design in the form of pump performance and efficiency curves. This project aimed to produce an automated test rig capable of generating both the performance (P-Q - pressure vs. flow rate) and efficiency curves that are reliable and repeatable.