ANALYSIS OF BIONIC RIBLET STRUCTURES INFLUENCE ON CENTRIFUGAL PUMP PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The growing need for energy conservation and sustainability in industrial sectors has led to extensive research on improving mechanical systems, particularly centrifugal pumps. These pumps play a crucial role in hydropower generation, industrial processes, and fluid transportation. This study explores the use of biomimetic riblet structures inspired by shark skin to enhance centrifugal pump performance. Traditional designs focus on either hydraulic efficiency or noise reduction, leaving room for improvement. By developing and experimentally testing a bionic impeller, the research examines its impact on head, power consumption, and efficiency across different flow rates. While biomimetic adaptations are common in aerospace and marine engineering, their potential in pumps remains underexplored. Comparative analysis evaluates the effectiveness of these modifications in optimizing performance. Experimental findings provide insights into improved fluid movement and energy efficiency. By integrating natureinspired design with testing, this research explores the performance enhancement of fluid transportation systems through the use of a bionic impeller. The technology demonstrates an efficiency gain of up to 3.2% at a discharge rate of 12 m³/h, with improvements reaching around 8% at higher flow rates. The bionic impeller effectively reduces turbulence, optimizing pump efficiency and leading to energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved sustainability in industrial fluid transport systems.