Study on the internal flow evolution mechanism and pressure pulsation characteristics of the transient process of variable speed regulation of centrifugal pump

Abstract In view of the fact that it is not possible to quantitatively analyze any change in the internal flow characteristics of traditional centrifugal pumps during variable speed regulation, numerical computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out in this study to obtain the optimal adjustment range of variable speed regulation. A single-stage IS80-65-160 centrifugal pump is modeled in 3D using Pro/E and ICEM software, followed by CFD simulations. Results are compared with experimental data, showing good agreement. Variable speed adjustments ranging from 0.5-1.0 times the original values are applied to observe changes in internal flow characteristics, such as velocity and turbulent kinetic energy. Pressure and velocity variations in different parts of the pump are studied under varied working conditions. Pressure pulsation frequency domain characteristics are measured at monitoring points in the volute. Findings indicate that as flow rate decreases due to variable speed regulation, velocity decreases linearly, while turbulent kinetic energy decreases quadratically in a uniform distribution. Pressure fluctuations within the volute remain within 0.01 Cp range, but at the tongue, fluctuations can reach up to 0.6 Cp , suggesting an optimal adjustment range within 30% of the rated value.