Matching Optimization of a Mixed Flow Pump Impeller and Diffuser Based on the Inverse Design Method

Mengcheng Wang,Yanjun Li,Fareed Konadu Osman,Jianping Yuan

doi:10.3390/pr9020260

Abstract

When considering the interaction between the impeller and diffuser, it is necessary to provide logical and systematic guidance for their matching optimization. In this study, the goal was to develop a comprehensive matching optimization strategy to optimize the impeller and diffuser of a mixed flow pump. Some useful tools and methods, such as the inverse design method, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), design of experiment, surrogate model, and optimization algorithm, were used. The matching optimization process was divided into two steps. In the first step, only the impeller was optimized. Thereafter, CFD analysis was performed on the optimized impeller to get the circulation and flow field distribution at the outlet of the impeller. In the second step of optimization, the flow field and circulation distribution at the inlet of the diffuser were set to be the same as the optimized impeller outlet. The results show that the matching optimization strategy proposed in this study is effective and can overcome the shortcomings of single-component optimization, thereby further improving the overall optimization effect. Compared with the baseline model, the pump efficiency of the optimized model at 1.2Qdes, 1.0Qdes, and 0.8Qdes is increased by 6.47%, 3.68%, and 0.82%, respectively.

Highlights

IntroductionAs one of the most important machines in modern civilization, the performance of rotating machinery will have a great influence on the development of wider society
As a kind of rotating machinery, mixed flow pumps play an important role in industrial production, agricultural irrigation, and urban drainage due to their moderate head, wide high efficiency range, and good anti-cavitation performance
This study aims to provide systematic guidance for the matching optimization of a mixed flow pump impeller and diffuser based on inverse design method (IDM)

Summary

Introduction

As one of the most important machines in modern civilization, the performance of rotating machinery will have a great influence on the development of wider society. Published data in the Annual Work Report of the Chinese Government in 2019 revealed that more than 98% of the country’s electric power conversion is done by rotating machinery. A marginal increase in the efficiency of rotating machinery will produce unimaginable economic benefits. In China, for every 1% increase in rotating machinery efficiency, about 70 billion kilowatts of electricity can be saved annually. As a kind of rotating machinery, mixed flow pumps play an important role in industrial production, agricultural irrigation, and urban drainage due to their moderate head, wide high efficiency range, and good anti-cavitation performance. It is of great significance to study the optimization design of mixed flow pumps

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Conclusion