Optimization Design of a Double-Channel Pump by Means of Orthogonal Test, CFD, and Experimental Analysis

Abstract

A new approach to optimizing a double-channel pump was presented, based on combined use of orthogonal test, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experimental analysis. First, a preliminary pump was designed according to design specifications, implementing the traditional design method. Later, a standard L 9 (34) orthogonal table including 9 representative design schemes was implemented to find the best parameter combination for the impeller of the pump. Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations accompanied by Smith modified k - ε turbulence model were solved to obtain the inner flow fields of the pump as well as its hydraulic performance for each design scheme. The optimized design scheme was obtained after range analysis. Finally, CFD analyses and experiments were carried out to evaluate the optimized design. The results show that the characteristics of the optimized pump were obviously improved, and the simulated pump head and efficiency increased by 3.622% and 9.379%, respectively. This research not only provides an effective way to improve the hydraulic design of double-channel pumps, but also has certain reference value in multiobjective optimization design of other pumps.