Multi-Objective Optimization of Small Centrifugal Pumps for Liquid Hydrogen Transport Applications Using CFD Tools

Due to the climate change effects and high fossil fuel consumption to supply the global energy demand, scientific studies have been conducted to reduce the pollutant emissions and improve the energy generation processes. In this sense, cryogenic flow transport processes for hydrogen and electrical energy generation have promoted the application of alternative fuels under complex working conditions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With the aim to analyze and optimize the application of mechanical devices for liquid hydrogen transport processes, this research proposes a predictive analysis of a cryogenic pumps based on numerical simulations with CFD tools in a virtual environment. To achieve accurate results, turbulence models are applied to study and predict the liquid hydrogen behavior and its interaction with impeller blades of centrifugal pumps. In consideration with the complex analysis of turbulent and cryogenic flows, a CFD tool is computed to solve and describe the workflow behavior around the blades under different working conditions. Finally, a multi-objective optimization method based on CFD simulations is proposed to improve the impeller design of the small centrifugal pump and reduce costs with computational tools.