Multi-objective optimization for mixed-flow pump with blade angle of impeller exit and diffuser inlet

Abstract

During design optimization, the impeller and diffuser of a mixed-flow pump are generally optimized separately. In such cases, the total head can be overdesigned. In this study, the designs of the impeller and diffuser were optimized simultaneously by using computational fluid dynamics and the Response surface method (RSM). Design variables were defined according to the vane plane development of the impeller and diffuser. Three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for the shear stress transport turbulence model were discretized by finite volume approximations and solved on hexahedral grids to analyze the flow in the pump. The total head and total efficiency were selected as objective functions, with four design variables related to the impeller outlet angles and diffuser inlet angles used for optimization. The RSM was constructed based on the objective functions with design points generated from the central composite method. The hydraulic performance of the optimum model was analyzed.