Analysis Of Pressure Fluctuations Research Articles

Numerical analysis of pressure fluctuations in hump region of a pump-turbine

Abstract To reveal the pressure fluctuation characteristics in hump region of a pump-turbine, unsteady simulation for the whole flow passage, based on the SST k-w model, was performed on a pump-turbine model. This study analyzed the time-frequency characteristics and variation laws of pressure fluctuations in different flow passage components, and explored the relationship between pressure fluctuations and internal flow in the vaneless space, guide vane and draft tube. The results indicate that pressure fluctuations in the vaneless space primarily include the blade passing frequency of 7fn and its harmonics, and a low-frequency component of 0.15fn caused by rotating stall. Particularly, rotating stall has the greatest impact on pressure fluctuations in the guide vane. As the flow rates decreased, flow separation intensified and pressure fluctuations increased gradually. The frequencies of pressure fluctuations in the runner include runner rotation frequency of fn and its harmonics, rotor-stator interaction frequency of 20fn, and others related to internal vortices (1.45fn and 2.9fn). In the guide vane, spiral casing, and draft tube, the dominant frequencies were low-frequency components of 0.15fn and 0.1fn, and its amplitude in the spiral casing and draft tube was approximately 5% and 10% of that in the guide vane.

Acoustic flow resonances in installed rectangular jets

Zonal Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of complex installed rectangular jet flows are performed for subsonic jet conditions of the Central Institute for Aviation Motors (CIAM) experiment, where a strong tone was reported. For far-field noise modelling, the zonal LES solutions are coupled with the permeable formulation of the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) method. The obtained noise spectra predictions are compared with the acoustic measurements in the CIAM facility. To reduce statistical noise of the relatively short LES time series, contributions due to several dominant low frequency tones and the remaining broadband signal are computed separately, using a tailored Fourier transform technique for each signal type. For cross-validation, noise spectra measurements of an equivalent isolated round jet in the CIAM facility are compared with the empirical sJet model calibrated on the NASA Small Hot Jet Acoustic Rig (SHJAR) jet noise database. While the two datasets agree reasonably well for mid to high frequencies, larger discrepancies are observed for low frequencies, which are attributed to acoustic reflections in the non-anechoic CIAM facility. The differences in noise levels between the CIAM dataset and the sJet model representing the NASA jet noise data are used to determine the experimental uncertainty of the CIAM noise measurements for each frequency and observer angle. For the installed rectangular jet, it is shown that far-field noise spectra predictions of the zonal LES-FW-H method for both the fundamental tone, its sixth harmonic corresponding to the jet Strouhal number of around 1, and the broadband component are broadly within the experimental error bar for most observer angles. Some discrepancies between predictions of the zonal LES method and the CIAM measurements for the main low frequency tone for the 30o and 90o, where the experimental uncertainty at low frequencies is largest are also noted. After validating the acoustic solutions, spectral and conditional averaging analysis methods are applied to elucidate mechanisms of the acoustic-flow resonance in the installed rectangular jet flow. The numerical dispersion relation is obtained to analyse phase velocities of the upstream and downstream travelling pressure waves in the stream-wise direction. The conditional analysis of pressure fluctuations inside the jet reveals the emergence of internal reflection points corresponding to a rapid change of the acoustic wave phase as well as the saddle points interpreted as localised zones of vorticity shed from the side-wall edges. To independently investigate the effect of trailing edges and corner points of the jet embodiment geometry on closing the acoustic-flow resonance cycle, several modifications of the baseline rectangular nozzle are considered, such as introducing chevron-like lobes and cuts on the trailing edges of the side walls as well as smoothing the sharp corner points of the wall edges. Following the series of additional zonal LES runs with the modified installed nozzle geometries, an optimized tone-less modification of the original installed nozzle was obtained, in broad agreement with the conditional analysis results. The obtained tone-less modification of the installed rectangular jet is further analyzed to provide insights into its similarity and differences from the aeroacoustics of the reference isolated round jet in the same CIAM facility.

Flow boiling characteristics of HFE-7000 in high aspect ratio microchannels with the effect of flow orientation

The aim of the present experimental study is to investigate the flow boiling characteristics in a high aspect ratio microchannel for two different channel orientations. Hydrofluoroether 7000 (HFE-7000) flowing within a rectangular glass microchannel (with a hydraulic diameter of 909 μm and a width-to-height aspect ratio of 10) coated with a tantalum layer to provide uniform heating along the channel was the configuration investigated. The data were recorded for mass flux of 14 − 42 kg m−2 s−1, while the heat flux was varied between 3.5 and 24.3kWm−2 under horizontal and vertical upward flow. Analysis of the experimental data reveals that thermal performance is influenced by both mass and heat fluxes, as well as flow orientation, and these are presented and discussed. The wall temperature mapping and heat transfer coefficient analysis showed that for low mass flow cases, the dry out occurs at a lower heat flux and for either flow orientation. At medium and higher heat fluxes, though, it is found that a horizontal flow produces dry out events more easily compared to vertical upward flow. The observed phenomenon during flow boiling also shows the importance of nucleate boiling and thin film evaporation on the heat transfer performance. In addition, pressure fluctuations during flow boiling were also recorded. A Fourier transform analysis of pressure fluctuations data showed that vertical upward flow produces a higher dominant frequency than horizontal flow. Finally, the analysis of thermal characteristics and pressure fluctuations can provide further insights into the design of devices where flow orientation plays a major role.

Machine learning analysis of pressure fluctuations in a gas-solid fluidized bed

Pressure fluctuations in a gas-solid fluidized bed involve much information of the dynamic system. To uncover the value and significance of the pressure fluctuations time series, two meaningful tasks, i.e., the fluidization regime classification and the future state prediction, are investigated using Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, including Back Propagation neural network (BP), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory network (LSTM), Radial Basis Function network (RBF), Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Findings indicate that the six ML methods rank their performance for the classification task from high to low as: BP ∼ RF > SVM > CNN ∼ LSTM ∼ RBF. For the one-step-ahead future state prediction, the accuracy goes from high to low as: BP ∼ RBF > CNN ∼ LSTM > SVM ∼ RF, whilst for the multistep-ahead prediction the LSTM approach shows the best performance. Additionally, the sampling frequency of pressure time series has significant effects on both tasks. Overall, this study demonstrates the capability of machine learning methods for the value analysis of nonlinear time series and the better operation of gas-solid fluidization systems.

Hydroacoustic analysis of a full-scale marine vessel: Prediction of the cavitation-induced underwater radiated noise using large eddy simulations

This numerical study provides insight into the mechanism of noise generation by a cavitating flow in the wake of a marine propeller under realistic operating conditions, which poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. We examined a full-scale vessel with an entire hull and an isolated model-scale marine propeller (INSEAN E779A) with a maneuverable rudder under various highly turbulent inflow conditions that strongly affect the spectral characteristics of the radiated noise. Insight into the acoustic behavior was gained by employing a combination of the large eddy simulation (LES) treatment of turbulence and the Schnerr–Sauer volume of fluid cavitation model. The hydrodynamic solution was coupled with the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) strategy for noise and vibration identification. We focused on the interactions between the characteristic cavitation patterns of marine propellers (sheet, tip, and hub cavities) and the dominant structures of the turbulent wake (tip, root, trailing edge, and hub vortices, as well as the distributed small-scale vorticity). The small-scale topological structures in the swirling wake of a propeller directly manifest in the radiated sound level and affect the intensity of multiple frequency ranges. Quantitative analysis of thrust, pressure fluctuations, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) demonstrates significant effects of blade loading, wake distribution, and cavitation development. The peak and average SPL distributions obtained through LES show lower dominant and higher average frequencies compared to those obtained by the FW-H method. The overall SPL obtained by LES were higher than those calculated using the FW-H acoustic analogy at all microphone locations. The overall noise was dominated by the low-frequency broadband noise, attributed to energetic helical vortices, and narrow-band peaks in the medium-high frequency range that originated from other sources, like cavitation structures.

Research on the starting-up process of a prototype reversible pump turbine with misaligned guide vanes: An energy loss analysis

With fossil fuel depletion and rising demand for renewable energy, reversible pump turbines (RPTs) are crucial for balancing energy supply. Understanding the dynamics of RPTs during starting-up is essential for optimal performance and stability in renewable energy systems. The unique “S" curve of RPTs can lead to instability under transient conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of misaligned guide vanes (MGV) devices on prototype RPT stability, pressure pulsation, and performance improvement during the starting-up process. Using CFD simulation, flow characteristics and energy loss during start-up were analyzed and validated against experimental data. The results show that MGV enhances stability but induces significant energy loss. The analysis of entropy production, vorticity transport, and pressure fluctuation revealed high energy loss regions and the evolution of vortices during the starting-up process. This study provides new insights into hydrodynamic challenges and energy loss with MGV in prototype RPT start-up, with implications for optimizing pumped storage hydropower operations. Overall, this study has valuable engineering significance for the development and application of RPT in renewable energy systems.

Analysis of Pressure Fluctuation of a Pump-Turbine with Splitter Blades on Small Opening in Turbine Mode

Unstable flow in a pump-turbine can cause pressure pulsation, and the resulting vibration deteriorates the stability and operating safety of the unit. This study conducted three-dimensional numerical calculations of the overall flow passage of a pump-turbine with splitter blades under the small guide vane opening, and the unsteady flow characteristics of the turbine were investigated. The results showed that the pressure fluctuation was more severe at lower head operating conditions with lower efficiency, especially in the vaneless area (the runner blade passages). Under the lower head condition, the proportion of 12 times the rotational frequency (12 f/fn) increased in the vaneless area, and the amplitude of 1 f/fn as well as 2 f/fn became larger in the runner blade channel, with more space occupied by vortices and reflux areas. A spiral vortex rope formed in the draft tube, increasing the proportion of 0.4 f/fn and 0.7 f/fn pressure pulses.

Pressure Fluctuation analysis of pump-turbine in turbine mode under the same head condition

Abstract As the key technical part of pumped-storage power station, the efficient and stable development of pump-turbine units is of great significance for renewable energy power generation. However, pump-turbine units have the characteristics of complex and variable operation conditions. In addition, under different guide vane openings, operation conditions of pump-turbine units also show different flow patterns and pressure fluctuation characteristics. For the sack of studying the pressure fluctuation characteristics of pump-turbine units in turbine mode, a dynamic model of a pump-turbine unit is established in this research. Based on SST k-ω turbulence model, combined numerical simulation and experimental test, pressure fluctuation laws in vaneless region and draft tube under three typical guide vane openings are carried out. The results indicate that, by increasing the guide vane opening, the pressure fluctuation intensity of each monitor point is decreased. Furthermore, the pressure fluctuation at the monitor points in vaneless region between guide vane and the runner presents a periodic change rule, which is mainly due to the two-stage rotor and stator interference between guide vane and runner, and between runner and draft tube. The research further clarifies the pressure fluctuation law in turbine mode, and provides theoretical reference for long-term sustainable development of pump-turbine units.

Pressure fluctuation analysis for identifying the CHF approaching condition during subcooled flow boiling through a mini-channel

This study presents a new method for predicting the Critical Heat Flux (CHF) approaching condition in subcooled flow boiling based on pressure fluctuation analysis. Through experimental investigations, water flow in an upward direction was conducted within a mini-channel with one side heated to analyze the sequential boiling phenomena, including ONB (Onset of Nucleate Boiling), OFI (Onset of Flow Instability), and CHF. While ONB was determined using the slope of the wall temperature–heat flux, OFI was determined by considering the pressure drop through the channel and outlet pressure fluctuation. By analyzing the inlet pressure fluctuations, a new condition called “the CHF approaching condition” was introduced, which serves as a CHF precursor. The CHF approaching condition was found to be approximately 90% of the CHF value across all experimental scenarios. The proposed method provides an effective tool for predicting and preventing CHF, thereby reducing the potential risk of damage to the heating surface.

Spatiotemporal patterns corresponding to phase synchronization and generalized synchronization states of thermoacoustic instability.

Thermoacoustic instability in turbulent combustion systems emerges from the complex interplay among the flame, flow, and acoustic subsystems. While the onset of thermoacoustic instability exhibits a global order, the characteristics of local interactions between subsystems responsible for this order are not well understood. Here, we utilize the framework of synchronization to elucidate the spatiotemporal interactions among heat release rate fluctuations in the flame, velocity fluctuations in the flow, and acoustic pressure fluctuations in a turbulent combustor, across the bluff-body stabilized flame. We examine two forms of thermoacoustic instability, characterized by phase synchronization and generalized synchronization of the acoustic pressure and global heat release rate oscillations. Despite the presence of global synchrony, we uncover a coexistence of frequency synchrony and desynchrony in the local interaction of these oscillations within the reaction field. In regions of frequency-locked oscillations, various phase-locking patterns occur, including phase synchrony and partial phase synchrony. We observe that the local formation of small pockets of phase synchrony and strong amplitude correlation between these oscillations is sufficient to trigger the state of global phase synchronization. As the global dynamics approach generalized synchronization, these local regions of synchrony expand in the reaction field. Additionally, through coupled analysis of acoustic pressure and local flow velocity fluctuations, we infer that the spatial region of flow-acoustic synchrony plays a significant role in governing thermoacoustic instabilities. Our findings imply that, in turbulent combustors, an intrinsic local balance between order, partial order, and disorder within the coupled subsystems sustains the global order during thermoacoustic instability.

Interstage transmission and differential analysis of pressure fluctuations in multistage centrifugal pump-as-turbine

Pumps as turbines (PATs) are used in petroleum and chemical industries to recover high-pressure residual energy. Multistage PATs allow for a wider energy recovery interval and wider range of applications. However, because multistage centrifugal pumps were not originally designed for turbine conditions, complex pressure fluctuations occur, impacting the stable operation and performance of multistage PAT. Pressure fluctuation is essentially a wave, and by analogy with the wave intensity definition, pressure fluctuations were quantified using the pressure wave energy flow density, and the pressure fluctuation patterns at different stages were investigated. The findings reveal significant differences in the intensity of pressure fluctuations at different locations within the multistage PAT. Specifically, the pressure fluctuation intensity is significantly higher from the second to the final stage, compared to the first stage. The difference in inlet flow conditions is the main reason for this difference in pressure fluctuations between stages. The inlet inflow from the second to the final stage is subject to rotational effects that exacerbate the difference in pressure fluctuation intensity between stages. Pressure fluctuations are found to be negatively related to the distance from the source of fluctuations and positively related to the flow state. Different flow conditions and interaction regions of the impeller affect the distribution of pressure fluctuation intensity and the distribution of pressure fluctuation energy across different frequency domains within the guide vanes. The main source of fluctuations in the shaft frequency and four times the shaft frequency is the impeller inlet interaction region, whereas the fluctuations in the blade passing frequency originate from the impeller outlet interaction region. This paper provides a reference for improving the stable operation of multistage PATs.

Identifying the optimal operating regime of production wells based on the analysis of wellhead pressure fluctuations

The article presents the results of field experimental studies of wellhead and bottomhole pressure fluctuations at different operating modes of gas-liquid lift. As a result of the research, it was found that at the optimal operating mode of gas lift well there is minimum amplitude and maximum frequency of wellhead and bottomhole pressure fluctuations, which agrees well with the results of previously, conducted theoretical and experimental laboratory studies. It is shown that the increase in the amplitude and decrease in the frequency of wellhead and bottomhole pressure fluctuations is observed when gas injection deviates from the optimal one, both in the direction of increasing and decreasing gas injection. The possibility of assessing the optimal operating mode of gas-lift and flowing wells on the basis of analyzing the fluctuations of technological parameters during normal operation without special testing operations has been established. A methodology for assessing the efficiency of gas-lift and flowing wells operation mode based on the application of various methods of time series analysis was created. Keywords: gas lift well; gas-liquid flow; optimal rate; wellhead pressure; fluctuation.

Numerical evaluation of the bubble dynamic influence on the characteristics of multiscale cavitating flow in the bluff body wake

Unsteady cavitating flow around the bluff body widely existed in practical engineering fields. This paper aims to investigate the physics involved in the multi-scale cavitating flow in the wake of a wedge-shaped bluff body, with special emphasis on the bubble effects. Numerical simulation is conducted using the traditional Eulerian-Eulerian (E-E) and newly developed Eulerian-Lagrangian (E-L) methods in OpenFOAM. It is found that, compared with the experimental results, the E-L method can predict more accurate cavitation characteristics than the E-E method due to the contribution of discrete bubbles. Bubbles can significantly influence the behaviors of the multi-scale cavitating flow. Specially, analysis of pressure fluctuations indicates that the bubbles induce a stronger power spectral density in the middle- and high-frequency regions. With the bubble effects considered, the vortex structure is stretched and more extensive in the near wake regions. The strength of time-averaged vorticity distribution decreases in the far wake region. Further analysis of the vortex transport equation shows that bubble dynamics significantly increase the intensity of the stretching term by enhancing the spanwise velocity fluctuations. The intensity of the baroclinic torque term predicted by the E-L method is higher than that by the E-E method near the center line due to the influence of bubbles. On the other hand, the analysis of turbulent kinetic energy distribution indicates that bubbles can induce turbulence by increasing cross-stream velocity fluctuations. The increment of the shear Reynold stress, u′xu′y‾, suggests that the bubbles intensify the coupling between the streamwise and cross-stream velocity fluctuations.

Energy distribution and chaotic pressure pulsation analysis of vortex ropes in Francis-99

Francis turbines, essential for stability in diverse operating conditions and variable-speed scenarios, encounter efficiency-compromising vortex rope formations in the draft tube, leading to substantial pressure fluctuations. This research delves into the analysis of energy loss and pressure fluctuations associated with these vortex ropes. Employing the local entropy generation rate (LEGR) method and chaos theory, we scrutinize the behaviour of vortex ropes and their resultant pressure fluctuations. Notably, vortex ropes exhibit maximum LEGR near the runner cone, with secondary vortices escalating instability downstream. In the elbow section, the collision of vortex ropes with the outer elbow amplifies LEGR, primarily driven by fluctuating velocities (approximately 90%). Leveraging the GWO-VMD algorithm, non-stationary signals are decomposed, unveiling a significant 1.6 Hz vortex rope frequency under partial load (PL) conditions and isolating external noise frequencies, such as the prominent 300 Hz. Following decomposition, chaos theory tools, including phase space reconstruction and phase trajectory graphs, unveil the chaotic nature of PL conditions attributed to spiral vortex ropes, resulting in profound pressure fluctuations. This study enhances our understanding of such systems and provides methodologies for improved noise reduction and optimization of turbine performance.

Composite control of airfoil broadband noise based on the combination of porous material and serrated trailing edges

Improving the noise reduction capability of airfoil broadband noise through serrated trailing edge design is a challenging task. To address this, we propose a novel porous-serrated trailing edge design where the gaps between the serrations are filled with porous media. Implicit large eddy simulations were conducted at Mach number Ma=0.1631 and Reynolds number Re=96 000 under a zero incidence angle. In addition to straight trailing edges and conventional serrated trailing edges, cutting-type porous-serrated (CPS) and insert-type porous-serrated (IPS) trailing edges with different porosities were designed. The flow in the porous media is described by Darcy's law, which is related to the pressure and velocity. The results indicate that the CPS trailing edges offer limited noise reduction compared to conventional serrated trailing edges, while IPS trailing edges achieve a significant noise reduction of approximately 5.21 dB. However, the drag force increases by 8.0% in the IPS case with maximum noise reduction. The composite control mainly affects flow structures near the trailing edges, especially inducing the flow penetration across the porous surface. To investigate the noise reduction mechanism, dynamic mode decomposition was conducted to show that both the CPS and IPS designs promote energy transferring significantly from the energetic mode to the modes at other frequencies, which would partly explain the difference in the noise reduction performance to some extent. Furthermore, the analysis of the wall pressure fluctuations reveals that the reduced convection velocity on the porous surface and enhanced destructive interference between the porous and the solid surfaces in IPS cases could be identified as the key factors contributing to lower noise radiation efficiency.

Pressure fluctuations in a fluidized bed of binary particles with significant differences in particle size

Pressure fluctuation signals are investigated in a binary particle fluidized bed in which two types of particles have similar physical properties but significant differences in particle size (90 μm Vs. 1800 μm). The relationship of the measured pressure drop to gas velocity exhibits a distinct ‘‘step’’ profile, indicating that the incipient fluidization of binary particle bed can be characterized by different stages, i.e. the fixed bed, the fine particle fluidization, the coarse particle partial fluidization and the binary particle complete fluidization. And then the statistical method and scale decomposition method are used to quantify pressure fluctuation amplitude and frequency in each stage. The result shows that when binary particles are completely fluidized, the bubble size and frequency in binary particle systems are larger than that in sole fine particle systems. Additionally, binary particle systems need higher gas velocity to achieve turbulent fluidization. Furthermore, the local solids holdup measured with optical fiber probes is also employed to verify the result of pressure fluctuation analysis.

Suppressing the Vortex Rope Oscillation and Pressure Fluctuations by the Air Admission in Propeller Hydro-Turbine Draft Tube

For the purpose of automatic generation control (AGC), a portion of the propeller hydro-turbine units in China is adjusted to operate within a restricted range of 75%-85% load using computer-controlled AGC strategies. In engineering applications, it has been observed that when a propeller hydro-turbine unit operates under off-design conditions, a large-scale vortex rope would occur in the draft tube, leading to significant pressure fluctuations. Injecting air into the draft tube to reduce the amplitude of pressure fluctuations is a common practice, but its effectiveness has not been proven on propeller hydro-turbine units. In this study, a CFD model of a propeller hydro-turbine was established, and 15 cases with different guide vane openings (GVO, between 31° and 45°) under unsteady conditions were calculated and studied. Two air admission measures were introduced to suppress the vortex rope oscillation in the draft tube and to mitigate pressure fluctuations. The reason for the additional energy loss due to air admission was then explained by the entropy production theory, and its value was quantified. This study points out that when injecting air, it is necessary to first consider whether the air will obstruct the flow in the draft tube. Finally, based on simulation and experimental data under various load conditions, pressure fluctuation analysis (based on fast Fourier transform, FFT) was conducted to assess the effectiveness of air admission measures. This study can provide an additional option for balancing unit efficiency and stability when scheduling units using an AGC strategy.

Cavitation cloud of waterjet under double excitation

This study experimentally explores the interplay of active and passive excitation on double-excited cavitating waterjet clouds. High-speed imaging and high-frequency pressure sensors are used to characterize the impact of piezoelectric transducers for active excitation and nozzle lip geometries for strong, moderate, and weak passive excitation conditions. The analysis of pressure fluctuations revealed that under active excitation, the waterjet exhibited forced oscillations characterized by an amplitude amplification exceeding that of single passive excitation by an order of magnitude. High-speed imaging, combined with proper orthogonal decomposition, allowed us to observe an expansion in the volume, size, and effective standoff distance of cavitation clouds upon introducing active excitation across all passive excitation scenarios. The synergy between strong passive excitation and harmonized frequency with active excitation resulted in the most robust cavitation cloud development, characterized by the highest intensity.

Starting of a scramjet air intake

The starting of a supersonic air-intake at the design Mach number depends on the internal blockage due to flame-holder struts in the combustor. In the present work, the starting of a two-dimensional supersonic air-intake for scramjet operation was verified experimentally on an isolated full-scale truncated model. The first ramp of the supersonic air-intake was truncated and simulated from downstream of the second ramp where the local Mach number was 3.7. The flight mission dictated the opening time of the cowl plate to be fixed as 200 mS. The maximum blockage of struts which allows the intake to start was determined by varying the blockage ratio in the range of 20% to 30%. The results indicate that the intake starts when the blockage ratio was 20%, but unstarts for 25% and 30%. In the unstart condition, discrete frequencies of 45 Hz and 60 Hz occurred and pressure fluctuations in the intake showed limit cycle oscillations. A detailed analysis of unsteady pressure fluctuations confirms that the buzz could be modeled as a Van Der Pol oscillator with nonlinear damping.

Analysis of Pressure Fluctuation of Pumped Storage Units

In pump turbines, the observation in the engineering field shows that pressure fluctuation has become one of the most serious hydraulic instability phenomena. The pressure pulsation will cause vibration and fatigue failure of the unit, even vibration of the plant, which greatly affects the safe operation of the power station. In this paper, the research on pressure fluctuation by domestic and foreign researchers is introduced and discussed. It includes the characteristics of pressure pulsation in various regions of pump turbines under various operating conditions, existing research methods, and the possibility of improving pressure pulsation problems with variable-speed pumped storage units, which will serve as the basis for further research and improvement of pressure pulsation.