Performance prediction of a centrifugal pump working in direct and reverse mode using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Authors

  • R. Barrio Author
  • J. Fernández Author
  • J. Parrondo Author
  • E. Blanco Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24084/repqj08.682

Abstract

The operation of centrifugal pumps as centripetal

turbines can be useful to produce cheap energy in rural zones or

developing nations. However, the optimum coupling between

the flow and the geometry of the machine cannot be kept in

reverse working conditions, and hence the flow instabilities are

expected to be much higher. This paper presents a numerical

investigation on the unsteady flow in a commercial centrifugal

pump operating in direct (pump) and reverse (turbine) mode.

Numerical simulations were conducted for several flow rates to

investigate the properties of the global flow within the machine.

The numerical model was additionally used to estimate the

radial load on the impeller, as a function of flow rate, for both

modes of operation.

Author Biographies

  • R. Barrio

    Departamento de Energía

    E.P.S.I.G., Universidad de Oviedo

    Campus de Viesques s/n, 33271 Gijón (Spain)

    Phone: +34 985 18 22 84, Fax: +34 985 18 20 98, E-mail: barrioraul@uniovi.es

  • J. Fernández

    Departamento de IMEM

    Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Extremadura

    Avda. de Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz (Spain)

    Phone: +34 924 28 96 11, Fax: +34 924 28 96 01, E-mail: ffrancos@unex.es

  • J. Parrondo

    Departamento de Energía

    E.P.S.I.G., Universidad de Oviedo

    Campus de Viesques s/n, 33271 Gijón (Spain)

    Phone: +34 985 18 22 84, Fax: +34 985 18 20 98

  • E. Blanco

    Departamento de Energía

    E.P.S.I.G., Universidad de Oviedo

    Campus de Viesques s/n, 33271 Gijón (Spain)

    Phone: +34 985 18 22 84, Fax: +34 985 18 20 98

Published

2024-01-24

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Articles