Optimization design of hydraulic performance in vaned mixed-flow pump

Abstract

Vaned mixed-flow pump is widely used in industrial and agricultural cases. Considering mixed-flow impeller and space guide-vanes, the impeller and guide-vane blade angles need optimization design. In order to conduct optimization, the global dynamic-criterion algorithm with the ability of parallel running, dynamic criterion and escaping from local-best trap was used in this case. Based on numerical simulation and experimental verification, the 18 parameters' combination was optimized using this algorithm to achieve higher-efficiency in a specific flow rate range around the design condition. The numerical results showed that the weighted efficiency increased from 87.32% to 89.26% and the head coefficient decreased from 0.720 to 0.693. The improved efficiency and reduced head under design requirement helps to reduce the shaft power and energy consumption. The optimized blade inlet angle matches the inlet angle and improves the uniformity of flow in the impeller. The impeller outlet angle matches the guide vane inlet angle. Therefore, the flow regime becomes smoother in the rotor stator interaction region. The experimental results verify that the optimized pump efficiency was 85.75%. The measured head coefficient was 0.643 which meets the design requirement. This study provides a successful work for the green design of impeller and guide-vane of mixed-flow pump.