1. What is a Water Source Heat Pump Flow Rate Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the total flow rate (GPM) required for water source heat pumps by summing the flow rates of individual fixtures.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers properly size piping and pumps for water source heat pump systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Total flow rate (gallons per minute)
• \( Q_i \) — Flow rate of each individual fixture (GPM)

Explanation: The total system flow rate is simply the sum of all individual fixture flow rates in the system.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculation ensures proper heat transfer, prevents pump oversizing, and maintains system efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the flow rate for each fixture in GPM. You can enter 0 for unused fixture fields. All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical flow rate for a water source heat pump?
A: Most units require 2-4 GPM per ton of cooling capacity, but always check manufacturer specifications.

Q2: Should I include a safety factor in my calculation?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% to the calculated flow rate for system design margin.

Q3: How do I determine individual fixture flow rates?
A: Check manufacturer specifications or use: GPM = (Tons × 24) / (ΔT × 60), where ΔT is design temperature difference.

Q4: What if I have more than 3 fixtures?
A: You can either sum some fixtures together or modify the calculator to include more input fields.

Q5: Does this account for pressure drop?
A: No, this only calculates flow rate. Pipe sizing and pressure drop calculations should be done separately.