Vortex Pump as Turbine—A Type Turbine for Energy Generation or Recovery Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics Prediction

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenguang Li
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Flow Structure ◽  
Conversion Factor ◽  
Pressure Profile ◽  
Reverse Direction ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Cavitation Performance ◽  
Vortex Pump ◽  
Specific Speed

An experimental vortex pump with a specific speed of 76 is investigated to get its performance and flow structure under noncavitation and cavitation conditions when the pump operates as turbine in the reverse direction by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. A method is proposed to extract hydraulic, volumetric, and mechanical efficiencies for the first time. It is shown that a vortex pump can operate as turbine but it is subject to poor cavitation performance. The performance conversion factors of flow rate and head are 2.33 and 2.74 which are much larger than existing centrifugal pumps as turbine with the same specific speed. The conversion factor of efficiency is 0.98, which agrees with the conversion factor of efficiency for a centrifugal pump as turbine. There are a rope cavity and a vortex flow in the same rotational direction of the impeller. It is shown that flow structure is complex in the impeller in pump and turbine modes, particularly on the blade-to-blade surface, while static pressure profile in the volute and impeller as well as the space between the casing and the impeller is simple. The flow in the space between the impeller and the casing cannot be regarded as a forced vortex in both modes. The cavitation performance improvement and rope cavity control may be key issues in the future.

Pump Grooved Seals: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach to Improve Bulk-Flow Model Predictions

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingcheng Wu ◽  
Luis San Andrés
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Bulk Flow ◽  
Dynamic Force ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Force Coefficients ◽  
Damping Coefficients ◽  
Groove Seal ◽  
Rectangular Groove

In multiple stage centrifugal pumps, balance pistons, often comprising a grooved annular seal, equilibrate the full pressure rise across the pump. Grooves in the stator break the evolution of fluid swirl and increase mechanical energy dissipation; hence, a grooved seal offers a lesser leakage and lower cross-coupled stiffness than a similar size uniform clearance seal. To date, bulk-flow modelbulk-flow models (BFMs) expediently predict leakage and rotor dynamic force coefficients of grooved seals; however, they lack accuracy for any other geometry besides rectangular. Note that scalloped and triangular (serrated) groove seals are not uncommon. In these cases, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models seals of complex shape to produce leakage and force coefficients. Alas, CFD is not yet ready for routine engineer practice. Hence, an intermediate procedure presently takes an accurate two-dimensional (2D) CFD model of a smaller flow region, namely a single groove and adjacent land, to produce stator and rotor surface wall friction factors, expressed as functions of the Reynolds numbers, for integration into an existing BFM and ready prediction of seal leakage and force coefficients. The selected groove-land section is well within the seal length and far away from the effects of the inlet condition. The analysis takes three water lubricated seals with distinct groove shapes: rectangular, scalloped, and triangular. Each seal, with length/diameter L/D = 0.4, has 44 grooves of shallow depth dg ∼ clearance Cr and operates at a rotor speed equal to 5,588 rpm (78 m/s surface speed) and with a pressure drop of 14.9 MPa. The method validity is asserted when 2D (single groove-land) and three-dimensional (3D) (whole seal) predictions for pressure and velocity fields are compared against each other. The CFD predictions, 2D and 3D, show that the triangular groove seal has the largest leakage, 41% greater than the rectangular groove seal does, albeit producing the smallest cross-coupled stiffnesses and whirl frequency ratio (WFR). On the other hand, the triangular groove seal has the largest direct stiffness and damping coefficients. The scalloped groove seal shows similar rotordynamic force coefficients as the rectangular groove seal but leaks 13% more. For the three seal groove types, the modified BFM predicts leakage that is less than 6% away from that delivered by CFD, whereas the seal stiffnesses (both direct and cross-coupled) differ by 13%, the direct damping coefficients by 18%, and the added mass coefficients are within 30%. The procedure introduced extends the applicability of a BFM to predict the dynamic performance of grooved seals with distinctive shapes.

CFD Study of Pitch Variations On Helically Coiled Pipe in Laminar Flow Region

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anwer Faraj ◽  
Itimad D J Azzawi ◽  
Samir Ghazi Yahya ◽  
Amer Al-damook
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Laminar Flow ◽  
Friction Factor ◽  
Flow Structure ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Alternative Solution ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Coil Diameter ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd

Abstract Experimental investigations of the flows inside helically coiled pipe are difficult and may also be expensive, particularly for small diameters. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) packages, which can easily construct the geometry and change the dimensions with 100% of accuracy, provide an alternative solution for the experimental difficulties and uncertainties. Therefore, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was conducted to analyse the flow structure and the effect of varying the coil pitch on the coil friction factor, through utilising different models' configurations. Two coils were tested, all of them sharing the same pipe and coil diameter: 0.005m and 0.04m respectively. Pitch variations began with 0.01 and 0.05 m for the first, second model respectively. In this study, the velocity was analysed, and the effects of this reduction on coil friction factor were also examined using laminar flow. The results were validated by Ito's equation for the laminar flow.

Multi-Objective Optimization of a High Specific Speed Centrifugal Volute Pump Using Three-Dimensional Inverse Design Coupled With Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations

2020 ◽  
Vol 143 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luying Zhang ◽  
Gabriel Davila ◽  
Mehrdad Zangeneh
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Inverse Design ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Specific Speed ◽  
Meridional Shape ◽  
Inverse Design Method ◽  
Blade Geometry

Abstract This paper presents three different multiobjective optimization strategies for a high specific speed centrifugal volute pump design. The objectives of the optimization consist of maximizing the efficiency and minimizing the cavitation while maintaining the Euler head. The first two optimization strategies use a three-dimensional (3D) inverse design method to parametrize the blade geometry. Both meridional shape and 3D blade geometry are changed during the optimization. In the first approach, design of experiment (DOE) method is used and the pump efficiency is obtained from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, while cavitation is evaluated by using minimum pressure on blade surface predicted by 3D inverse design method. The design matrix is then used to create a surrogate model where optimization is run to find the best tradeoff between cavitation and efficiency. This optimized geometry is manufactured and tested and is found to be 3.9% more efficient than the baseline with reduced cavitation at high flow. In the second approach, only the 3D inverse design method output is used to compute the efficiency and cavitation parameters and this leads to considerable reduction to the computational time. The resulting optimized geometry is found to be similar to the computationally more expensive solution based on 3D CFD results. In order to compare the inverse design based optimization to the conventional optimization, an equivalent optimization is carried out by parametrizing the blade angle and meridional shape.

scholarly journals Influence of Blade Type on the Flow Structure of a Vortex Pump for Solid-Liquid Two-Phase Flow

Machines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 353
Author(s):  
Hui Quan ◽  
Yanan Li ◽  
Lei Kang ◽  
Xinyang Yu ◽  
Kai Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Structure ◽  
Liquid Flow ◽  
Single Phase ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Internal Flow ◽  
Phase Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Vortex Pump ◽  
Solid Liquid

Vortex pumps have good non-clogging performance owing to their impellers being retracted into retraction cavities, but they are much less efficient than ordinary centrifugal pumps. In this paper, numerical simulations were performed on a model of the 150WX200-20 vortex pump for four different blade types, and the influence of blade structure on pump performance was determined. The simulations revealed the existence of axial vortices in the flow passage between the blades in the impeller region. The geometric characteristics of these axial vortices were more regular in two-phase solid-liquid flow than single-phase liquid flow. The presence of the solid phase reduced the vortex strength compared with the single-phase flow and suppressed the increase in size of the secondary circulation vortex. It was found, however, that the blade shape had a greater influence on the circulating flow than the presence of the solid phase. The flow state of the medium flowing out of the impeller domain had a direct effect on the circulating flow with this effect being related to the law governing the flow of the medium in the flow channel between the blades. It was found that the performance of a front-bent blade was the best and that of a curved blade the worst. This influence of blade type on the internal flow structure was used to further explain the relationship between the internal flow structure and the external characteristics of the vortex pump, the understanding of which is crucial for blade selection and hydraulic optimization.

Eulerian/Eulerian CFD Simulation of a Cold Flowing FCC Riser

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim G Hansen ◽  
Claus H Ibsen ◽  
Tron Solberg ◽  
Bjørn H Hjertager
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Mass Flux ◽  
International Workshop ◽  
Particle Diameter ◽  
Pressure Profile ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Parameter Study ◽  
Experimental Findings

A computational fluid dynamics simulation, CFD, of a cold flowing riser fluidized with FCC catalysts has been performed. The computations are performed using a 3D multiphase computational fluid dynamics code with a Eulerian description of both gas and particle phase. The turbulent motion of the particulate phase is modelled using the kinetic theory for granular flow, and the gas phase turbulence is modelled using a Sub-Grid-Scale model. The complex inlet geometry is approximated using multiple inlet patches. The results were submitted to a blind-test in connection to the 10th international workshop on two-phase flow prediction held in Merseburg, Germany, 2002. The results are validated against experimental findings of particle mass flux across the riser and pressure profile along the riser. The calculations show good agreement with experimental findings of both mass flux and pressure profile, but further improvements are proposed and investigated. A parameter study shows that mesh refinement, choice of particle diameter and choice of drag model are crucial when simulating FCC riser flow.

scholarly journals Investigation of Flow Through Centrifugal Pump Impellers Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weidong Zhou ◽  
Zhimei Zhao ◽  
T. S. Lee ◽  
S. H. Winoto
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Internal Flow ◽  
Solution Procedure ◽  
Computational Results ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Straight Blade ◽  
Twisted Blade ◽  
Blade Pump

With the aid of computational fluid dynamics, the complex internal flows in water pump impellers can be well predicted, thus facilitating the design of pumps. This article describes the three-dimensional simulation of internal flow in three different types of centrifugal pumps (one pump has four straight blades and the other two have six twisted blades). A commercial three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code called CFX, with a standardk–εtwo-equation turbulence model was used to simulate the problem under examination. In the calculation, the finite-volume method and an unstructured grid system were used for the solution procedure of the discretized governing equations for this problem.Comparison of computational results for various types of pumps showed good agreement for the twisted-blade pumps. However, for the straight-blade pump, the computational results were somewhat different from widely published experimental results. It was found that the predicted results relating to twisted-blade pumps were better than those relating to the straight-blade pump, which suggests that the efficiency of a twisted-blade pump will be greater than that of a straight-blade pump. The calculation also predicts reasonable results in both the flow pattern and the pressure distribution.

scholarly journals Aquatic manoeuvering with counter-propagating waves: a novel locomotive strategy

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (60) ◽  
pp. 1041-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar M. Curet ◽  
Neelesh A. Patankar ◽  
George V. Lauder ◽  
Malcolm A. MacIver
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Flow Structure ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Travelling Wave ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Other ◽  
Fish Robot ◽  
Single Wave ◽  
Propagating Waves

Many aquatic organisms swim by means of an undulating fin. These undulations often form a single wave travelling from one end of the fin to the other. However, when these aquatic animals are holding station or hovering, there is often a travelling wave from the head to the tail, and another moving from the tail to the head, meeting in the middle of the fin. Our study uses a biomimetic fish robot and computational fluid dynamics on a model of a real fish to uncover the mechanics of these inward counter-propagating waves. In addition, we compare the flow structure and upward force generated by inward counter-propagating waves to standing waves, unidirectional waves, and outward counter-propagating waves (i.e. one wave travelling from the middle of the fin to the head, and another wave travelling from the middle of the fin to the tail). Using digital particle image velocimetry to capture the flow structure around the fish robot, and computational fluid dynamics, we show that inward counter-propagating waves generate a clear mushroom-cloud-like flow structure with an inverted jet. The two streams of fluid set up by the two travelling waves ‘collide’ together (forming the mushroom cap) and collect into a narrow jet away from the cap (the mushroom stem). The reaction force from this jet acts to push the body in the opposite direction to the jet, perpendicular to the direction of movement provided by a single travelling wave. This downward jet provides a substantial increase in the perpendicular force when compared with the other types of fin actuation. Animals can thereby move upward if the fin is along the bottom midline of the body (or downward if on top); or left–right if the fins are along the lateral margins. In addition to illuminating how a large number of undulatory swimmers can use elongated fins to move in unexpected directions, the phenomenon of counter-propagating waves provides novel motion capabilities for systems using robotic undulators, an emerging technology for propelling underwater vehicles.

The Influence of Low Solidity Vaned Diffusers on the Static Pressure Non-Uniformity Caused by a Centrifugal Compressor Discharge Volute

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Sorokes ◽  
Jay M. Koch
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Static Pressure ◽  
Dynamic Pressure ◽  
Pressure Profile ◽  
Vaneless Diffusers ◽  
Discharge Pressure ◽  
Dynamics Analyses ◽  
Work Done

The paper is a sequel to an earlier work by Sorokes et al. 1998, “Investigation of the Circumferential Static Pressure Non-Uniformity Caused by a Centrifugal Compressor Discharge Volute.” The earlier work described experimental and computational fluid dynamics analyses of the non-uniform static pressure distortion caused by the discharge volute in a high pressure, centrifugal compressor with vaneless diffusers. This paper describes additional testing and analytical work done using low solidity vaned diffusers (LSD’s) in place of select vaneless diffusers to determine the alternate diffuser’s effectiveness in eliminating or reducing the magnitude of the non-uniform pressure field. As in the earlier studies, the experiments described in this paper were done using a heavily instrumented gas re-injection compressor operating at over 6000 psia discharge pressure. Instrumentation was installed to measure static, total, and dynamic pressure as well as impeller strain and mechanical vibrations. A brief description of the compressor and instrumentation are provided. Concurrent with the experimental work, CFD runs were completed to study the effect of the alternate vaned diffusers. The CFD pressure profile trends agreed well with the experimental results and provided analytical corroboration for the conclusions drawn from the test data. Conclusions are drawn regarding: a) the effectiveness of the LSD’s on the pressure non-uniformity; b) the associated effects on the measured dynamic strains in the impellers; and c) the usefulness of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in assessing the aerodynamic forces associated with the non-uniformity.

Analysis of the Leakage Behavior of Francis Turbines and Its Impact on the Hydraulic Efficiency—A Validation of an Analytical Model Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics Results

2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Schiffer ◽  
Helmut Benigni ◽  
Helmut Jaberg
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Pressure Distribution ◽  
Analytical Model ◽  
Analytical Approach ◽  
Analytical Calculation ◽  
Francis Turbine ◽  
Centrifugal Pumps ◽  
Present Contribution ◽  
Disk Friction

The present contribution addresses the analysis of the leakage behavior of a small hydro Francis turbine using an analytical approach, which was validated based on the results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). For a custom-designed Francis turbine with a specific speed of nq = 41.9 rpm, the flow chambers resulting from the labyrinth geometry were added to a traditional full CFD model of the turbine and numerical simulations were performed for several operation points ranging from part load (Qmin = 0.5 × Qopt) to over load (Qmax = 1.3 × Qopt). Consequently, the single losses occurring in the runner seals on crown and band side as well as the pressure distribution within the runner side spaces could be evaluated and compared to the results gained with an analytical approach, which was originally developed to calculate the leakage flow of centrifugal pumps. The comparison of the pressure distribution achieved with the numerical simulation and the analytical calculation shows that both approaches match well if the angular velocity of the fluid ωFluid trapped in the runner side spaces is calculated in an appropriate way. Furthermore, the achieved results demonstrate that the use of the analytical model enables the calculation of the disk friction and leakage losses with sufficient accuracy. This paper contributes to the improvement of the performance prediction of Francis turbines based on combined numerical and analytical calculations.

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