Optimal Design of High-Speed Partial Flow Pumps using Orthogonal Tests and Numerical Simulations

Abstract

To investigate the influence of structural parameters on the performances and internal flow characteristics of partial flow pumps at a low specific speed of 10000 rpm, special attention was paid to the first and second stage impeller guide vanes. Moreover, the impeller blade outlet width, impeller inlet diameter, blade inclination angle, and number of blades were considered for orthogonal tests. Accordingly, nine groups of design solutions were formed, and then used as a basis for the execution of numerical simulations (CFD) aimed at obtaining the efficiency values and heads for each design solution group. The influence of impeller geometric parameters on the efficiency and head was explored, and the "weight" of each factor was obtained via a range analysis. Optimal structural parameters were finally chosen on the basis of the numerical simulation results, and the performances of the optimized model were verified accordingly (yet by means of CFD). Evidence is provided that the increase in the efficiency and head of the optimized model was 12.11% and 23.5 m, respectively, compared with those of the original model.