What the cost of running my air pump?

[Dmitry]

I just got an air pump for my small pond. Specification says it uses 400 wt. I pay 8.5 c/kwt. Can you give me an idea what is the cost of running it. Thank you. Tried to calculate myself and got confused.

 

[twd000]

I just got an air pump for my small pond. Specification says it uses 400 wt. I pay 8.5 c/kwt. Can you give me an idea what is the cost of running it. Thank you. Tried to calculate myself and got confused.

Are you sure the 8.5 cents is the all-inclusive cost (delivery charge plus supply charge?)

If so...400 W/ 1000 x $0.085 x 24 hours a day x 30 days a month = $24.48 a month if you run it continually

 

[peakbagger]

Generally the wattage ratings tend to be stated is the peak wattage, so that should be the worst case, it may be less. The load on an air pump will vary depending on the resistance it is encountering. In theory there is a curve of pressure versus flow that establishes the pump efficiency and frequently there is a horsepower curve superimposed on it that the manufacturer may publish. The most accurate approach is get a clamp on ammeter and measure the amperage when its running.

Note that the amount of dissolved oxygen that water will hold depends on temperature. Unless this is for decoration you can probably turn the pump off at night when the pond water is cooler and save some power. Running pond pumps on PV panels is somewhat popular project as when the sun is brightest the pump is needed the most. https://www.thepondreport.com/build-a-solar-aerator.shtml#.WuwntoeGOM8. Note I expect its an expensive way to accomplish the work but if you have access to spare PVs its nice way to paly around with solar.

 

[Dmitry]

Are you sure the 8.5 cents is the all-inclusive cost (delivery charge plus supply charge?)

If so...400 W/ 1000 x $0.085 x 24 hours a day x 30 days a month = $24.48 a month if you run it continually

Tried to look at my bill and now more confused . Can you take a look ?

 

[moey]

You pay about 16.7c per kw/hr. You have two parts of your bill supply and delivery. You didnt add the delivery cost in which is 562/68.5.

 

[Dmitry]

Generally the wattage ratings tend to be stated is the peak wattage, so that should be the worst case, it may be less. The load on an air pump will vary depending on the resistance it is encountering. In theory there is a curve of pressure versus flow that establishes the pump efficiency and frequently there is a horsepower curve superimposed on it that the manufacturer may publish. The most accurate approach is get a clamp on ammeter and measure the amperage when its running.

Note that the amount of dissolved oxygen that water will hold depends on temperature. Unless this is for decoration you can probably turn the pump off at night when the pond water is cooler and save some power. Running pond pumps on PV panels is somewhat popular project as when the sun is brightest the pump is needed the most. https://www.thepondreport.com/build-a-solar-aerator.shtml#.WuwntoeGOM8. Note I expect its an expensive way to accomplish the work but if you have access to spare PVs its nice way to paly around with solar.

Yeah , it’s prolly less. Diffusers installed on 6 ft depth vs 30 being max and 50 ft away from pump with 100 being max. Using it helping fish survive and thrive

 

[lml999]

Using it helping fish survive and thrive

For the fish? Priceless!

 

[Dmitry]

For the fish? Priceless!

That’s what I think , but my wife think otherwise. She thinks it’s pricelees to run filter pump for stupid pool.