Optimization of Vane Diffuser in a Mixed-Flow Pump for High Efficiency Design

Abstract

This paper presents an optimization procedure for high-efficiency design of a mixed-flow pump. Optimization techniques based on a weighted-average surrogate model are used to optimize a vane diffuser of a mixed-flow pump. Validation of the numerical results is performed through experimental data for head, power and efficiency. Three-level full factorial design is used to generate nine design points within the design space. Three-dimensional Reynoldsaveraged Navier-Stokes equations with the shear stress transport turbulence model are discretized by using finite volume approximation and solved on hexahedral grids to evaluate the efficiency as the objective function. In order to reduce pressure loss in the vane diffuser, two variables defining the straight vane length ratio and the diffusion area ratio are selected as design variables in the present optimization. As the results of the design optimization, the efficiency at the design flow coefficient is improved by 7.05% and the off-design efficiencies are also improved in comparison with the reference design.