Performance Optimization on 3D Diffuser of Volute Pump Using Kriging Model

Abstract

In order to enhance the hydraulic performance of the volute pump, the Kriging model and genetic algorithm (GA) were used to optimize the 3D diffuser of the volute pump, and the hydraulic performance of the optimized model was compared and analyzed with the original model. The volute pump diffuser model was parameterized by BladeGen software. A total of 14 parameters such as the distance between the leading and trailing edges and the central axis, and the inlet and outlet vane angle were selected as design variables, and the efficiency under the design condition was taken as the optimization objective. A total of 70 sets of sample data were randomly selected in the design space to train and test the Kriging model. The optimal solution was obtained by GA. The shape and inner flow of the optimized diffuser were compared with those of the original diffuser. The research results showed that the Kriging model can effectively establish the high-precision mathematical function between the design variables and the optimization objective, and the R2 value is 0.95356, which meets the engineering needs. The optimized geometry model demonstrated a significant change, the vane leading edge became thinner, and the wrap angle increased. After optimization, the hydraulic performance of the volute pump under design and part-load conditions were greatly improved, the efficiency under design conditions increased by 2.65%, and the head increased by 0.83 m. Furthermore, the inner flow condition improved, the large area of low-speed and vortex disappeared, the pressure distribution in the diffuser was more reasonable, and the pressure gradient variation decreased.