Performance prediction of pump and pumping system based on combination of numerical simulation and non-full passage model test

Abstract

The design scheme of open intake will often increase the shaft length and the height of wet-pit pump house when the range of intake water level varies relatively large. And if the pump house is far away from the discharge bay, a longer discharge pipe may be inevitable, and the arrangement of full passage model pumping system may exceed the allowed size of a specific test bench. Aiming at a long-shaft vertical pumping system with open intake design, larger water level variation and longer discharge pipe, a methodology of performance prediction for the pump and pumping system was proposed by combining numerical simulation and non-full passage model test because of less experiment funds, shorter research periods and restricted test bench. Through numerical simulation, the hydraulic losses and drag coefficients of sump and discharge pipe were calculated and followed by the experiment design and model test of non-full passage pumping system. Based on the calibration accuracy of measurement instruments and test results, the experimental uncertainties were analyzed. Through combination of numerical simulation and non-full passage model test, the prediction of model pump and pumping system performance was realized. The performance of prototype pump and pumping system was obtained by applying the similarity law of pump. When operated under the designed head of 13.59 m, the flow rate and efficiency of the prototype pumping system reached 11.86 m3/s and 86.56%, respectively, exceeding the requirements stipulated in the bidding documents and showing that it possessed greater pumping capacity and higher efficiency. The methodology proposed in this paper can be referenced and applied to the engineering design of similar pump stations.