Analysis of Applicability of CFD Numerical Studies Applied to Problem When Pump Working as Turbine

Abstract

The present research depicts an analysis of the implementation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the study of pumps such as turbines and PATs. To highlight the benefits of CFDs for PAT studies, results from both experimental tests have been compared to better understand the reproduction error phenomena. For this, data analysis used in successful models has been applied to determine variables and parameters, and to report a low relative error. The results show that most of the studies focused on fixed speed rotation with some cases of variable speed rotation. Furthermore, there is not enough information in the academic literature for PAT of axial and mixed flows with fixed and variable speed. Finally, turbulence models based on Reynolds average Navier–Stokes (RANS) have been used to simulate PATs with fixed speed rotation in most cases.

The pump as a turbine: A review on performance prediction, performance improvement, and economic analysis

“…Pienika et al [ 59 ] highlighted the main features of axial pumps used as turbines. Most existing works focus on radial flow pumps as turbines [ 60 ] due to their lower cost and availability. Recent publications concentrate on studying flow features such as rotational speed [ 53 , 55 ], transient behavior [ 54 , 56 ], tip leakage flow [ [61] , [62] , [63] ], entropy production [ 60 , 64 ], and cavitation [ 65 , 66 ] in PATs.…”

Smart Hydropower Water Distribution Networks, Use of Artificial Intelligence Methods and Metaheuristic Algorithms to Generate Energy from Existing Water Supply Networks

“…A comprehensive approach includes CFD simulations and verification of results through experimental data. The simulations include constant flow and rotation conditions as well as variable ones; they can also include different types of pumps [67]. A more multidisciplinary analysis must also take into account the geometric characteristics of the machine.…”

Pumps as Turbines (PATs) by Analysis with CFD Models

“…Computational Fluid Dynamics is a tool that allows complex modeling phenomena in fluids and is an alternative to understand the main aspects that govern the flow behavior in PATs. The application of CFDs in PATs applications is to predict the characteristic curves, their performance in specific case studies and optimize their design according to requirements [15].…”