I want to install a high pressure mist cooling system in my backyard. I have done a little looking around and it seems like the good pumps are around $1500-$2000+. These pumps generate 1000psi at 0.5-3 gpm.
My thought is... why can't i use an electric pressure washer that I can get for < $200 that is rated at 1300psi and 1.3 gpm?
The other thing they say about these systems is that you should choose the pump so that it is at or above 90% utilization all the time. This means a multi-zone system would require a separate pump matched to each zone. That doesn't sound optimal, especially for my wallet.
The larger, more expensive pumps seem to have built in self-regulation for this. Maybe they operate more like a compressor and have a small storage tank on which pressure is monitored so the pump only runs when it has to. I think they might have said something about variable speed. Anyway, sounds expensive.
The question is do pressure washers have this feature? Probably not (at least the cheap ones) as they are designed for a specific constant flow rate. If they don't then the same 90% utilization rule would probably apply.
Now there are a lot of replacement pumps for pressure washers available and these are probably the same parts (or close to) those used for these "misting pumps". They are either direct drive or belt driven. So another option is to buy one and hook it up to a variable speed electric motor with control electronics such that depending on which zone was active the pump would operate at a different speed or perhaps have a pressure sensor and a feedback loop to adjust its speed to achieve the desired pressure at any flow rate. I don't really know anything about hydraulic systems.
Anyway, hope you guys have some ideas.
My thought is... why can't i use an electric pressure washer that I can get for < $200 that is rated at 1300psi and 1.3 gpm?
The other thing they say about these systems is that you should choose the pump so that it is at or above 90% utilization all the time. This means a multi-zone system would require a separate pump matched to each zone. That doesn't sound optimal, especially for my wallet.
The larger, more expensive pumps seem to have built in self-regulation for this. Maybe they operate more like a compressor and have a small storage tank on which pressure is monitored so the pump only runs when it has to. I think they might have said something about variable speed. Anyway, sounds expensive.
The question is do pressure washers have this feature? Probably not (at least the cheap ones) as they are designed for a specific constant flow rate. If they don't then the same 90% utilization rule would probably apply.
Now there are a lot of replacement pumps for pressure washers available and these are probably the same parts (or close to) those used for these "misting pumps". They are either direct drive or belt driven. So another option is to buy one and hook it up to a variable speed electric motor with control electronics such that depending on which zone was active the pump would operate at a different speed or perhaps have a pressure sensor and a feedback loop to adjust its speed to achieve the desired pressure at any flow rate. I don't really know anything about hydraulic systems.
Anyway, hope you guys have some ideas.
)
