Entropy-Generation-Based Optimization of Elbow Suction Conduit for Mixed-Flow Pumps

The elbow suction conduit plays a decisive role in determining inflow conditions, thereby influencing a pump’s efficiency and cavitation characteristics. The complex three-dimensional swirling and separating flow makes pinpointing the sources and mechanisms of energy dissipation challenging. This study aims to accurately diagnose the sources of hydraulic losses within the elbow suction conduit and conduct effective geometric optimization to enhance overall pump performance. Entropy production theory was integrated with three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations to quantitatively analyze the irreversible energy dissipation in different parts of the conduit. Results reveal that energy dissipation is predominantly concentrated at the inlet section, wall surfaces, outer curvature of the bend, and the inner conical diffuser. Key geometric parameters were systematically optimized. Compared to the baseline design, the optimized configuration not only reduced entropy generation induced by wall shear and turbulent fluctuations but also improved the spatio-temporal uniformity of the outflow. Consequently, this translated directly into enhanced overall pump performance: the optimized design shows a 0.34% increase in efficiency and a 3.6% reduction in the inception cavitation coefficient at the rated condition, leading to lower energy consumption and enhanced operational reliability. The effectiveness of entropy production analysis for the hydraulic optimization of pumps was demonstrated.