pumpfunktion

Pumpfunktion is a German term that is not tied to a single, universal definition; its meaning depends on the field of application. In hydraulic engineering and pumping technology, it commonly denotes the functional relationship that describes a pump’s performance and its ability to convert mechanical energy into fluid energy.

The pumping function in this context characterizes how variables such as volumetric flow rate Q (m3/h or L/s), head H (meters of fluid), input power P_in, and speed n relate to each other. This relationship is typically shown as a pump curve or characteristic curve, including the head–flow curve H(Q) at a fixed speed, efficiency η as a function of Q and n, and the overall efficiency map. The curve is used to determine the operating point when the pump is part of a larger system, by coupling it with the system curve that represents head losses as a function of flow. Important concepts include the shut-off head, the best efficiency point (BEP), and the affinity laws that describe how Q, H, and P scale with speed.

In control and automation contexts, the term may also refer to the control logic that decides when and how a pump is activated, i.e., a pumping function that outputs drive signals based on measurements of pressure, level, or flow.

In summary, the pumping function describes either the performance characteristics of a pump or its control behavior, with the exact form depending on pump type (centrifugal vs. positive displacement) and system requirements.