Centrifugal Impeller Blade Shape Optimization Through Numerical Modeling

Abstract

Surrogate model based shape optimization methodology to enhance performance of a centrifugal pump has been implemented in this work. Design variables, such as blade number and blade angles defining the pump impeller blade shape were selected and a three-level full factorial design approach was used for efficiency enhancement. A threedimensional simulation using Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations for the performance analysis was carried out after designing the geometries of the impellers at the design points. Standard k-ε turbulence model was used for steady incompressible flow simulations. The optimized impeller incurred lower losses by shifting the trailing edge towards the impeller pressure side. It is observed that the surrogates are problem dependent and most accurate surrogate does not deliver the best design always.