Optimization of geometrical parameters of positive guide vane for multi-stage pump as turbine based on orthogonal test

Abstract Multi-stage pumps as turbines (PAT) are commonly employed in the petrochemical, coal chemical, and other process industries to recover liquid residual pressure energy. This study focused on improving the performance of multi-stage PAT, specifically targeting the slope of the power-flow(P-Q) curve and hydraulic efficiency at the rated flow point. A two-stage PAT was selected as the research object for this study. According to the relationship between the power and the geometrical parameters of the positive guide vane derived based on the basic equation of the multi-stage PAT, four parameters of the positive guide vane were selected as the test factors for the orthogonal experimental study. A four-factor, three-level orthogonal table of type L 9 (3 4 ) was established. Using Fluent software and the RNG k - ε turbulence model to carry out numerical calculations of constant flow, the results showed that: for the slope of the P-Q curve, the influence of geometric parameter factors of the positive guide vane are in the order of the throat area, the outlet placement angle, the positive guide vanes number, and the base circle diameter; and for the hydraulic efficiency, the influence of geometric parameter factors of the positive guide vane are in the order of the throat area, the positive guide vanes number, the outlet placement angle, and the base circle diameter of the positive guide vane. At the rated flow point, the P-Q curve of the optimized solution decreased by 0.24, resulting in a flatter curve and a 0.3% increase in hydraulic efficiency. There was little change in the vicinity at the rated flow point. The best efficiency point of the optimized scheme is biased toward the high flow rate, the efficiency is increased by 1.85%, and the best efficiency zone is wider. Therefore, selecting appropriate positive guide vane geometry parameters can flatten the P-Q curve, improve internal flow, and enhance hydraulic efficiency.