Simulation based design tool for radial impellers of centrifugal pumps

Abstract Centrifugal water pumps account for more than 20% of energy use all over the world. Even a little increase in centrifugal pump operating efficiency may result in billions of dollars in savings each year and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This study creates a design tool that integrates one-dimensional equations and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to design centrifugal pump impellers. This examines different combinations of design factors by utilizing both the powerful numerical tools that allow the modeling of numerous scenarios and the large number of empirical equations and coefficients that represent the significant knowledge accumulated in this field. The design tool runs through a series of equations to select the beginning candidates for the different impeller design variables. After that, a design space is established by generating upper and lower bounds for each design variable. The CFD tool executes numerous scenarios inside the design space in order to find the best candidates with the maximum operating efficiency and meet the design objectives. A low specific speed centrifugal pump with a semi-open impeller is used as a case study. The design tool is successful in designing it, fulfilling the design requirement, and increasing operational efficiency when compared to a simple single-arc comparable impeller.