On optimization of flow passages of impellers of centrifugal pumps

Abstract

The conventional solution for HAPPs is the use of reversible hydraulic machines operating both in the pump mode as well as in the turbine mode. At the same time, for example, a blade system of a hydraulic machine designed for the pumping mode has a high efficiency. However, in the turbine mode, the energy characteristics of such machine are far from optimal. Considering different patterns of micro- and mini-HAPPs (up to 100 kW) of modular design, it is most appropriate to use a pump and a turbine separately, since the efficiency of hydraulic machines is very important in the case of such low power. To date, approaches to the design of hydraulic turbines are quite developed and allow to achieve high energy performance [1, 2]. According to different data sources the level of axial turbine efficiency with power less than 100 kW is about 80÷91%. At the same time, for centrifugal pumps, especially those of low specific speed, the problem of increasing energy efficiency is very urgent. E.g., for pumps with a specific speed ns< 80 the efficiency level is usually 40 to 65%. The aim of the presented research is the development of methods of synthesis and optimization of the flow passages of centrifugal pumps using the approaches of the theory of optimal control and increasing energy performance of hydraulic machines. Various ways of local correction of geometry of flow passages are presented in the paper. As an alternative to empirical approaches, methods based on the control of the circulation distribution are considered in detail. Various mathematical dependences of the flow circulation on the coordinate of the point lying on the surface of the blade are analyzed. Possibilities of application of the theory of experiment planning in relation to the problems to be solved are considered.