Conceptual design optimization of mixed-flow pump impellers using mean streamline analysis

Abstract

A conceptual design optimization code for mixed-flow pump impellers has been developed to determine the geometric and fluid dynamic variables under appropriate design constraints. In the present study the optimization problem has been formulated with a non-linear objective function to minimize the fluid dynamic losses. The optimal solution is obtained by means of the Hooke-Jeeves direct search method. Computations are performed using mean streamline analysis and the present state-of-the-art loss correlations. Changes in the optimized efficiency and design variables of mixed-flow pump impellers are presented in this paper as a function of non-dimensional specific speed in the range 1.9 ≤ N s ≤ 2.5. The diagrams presented herein can be used efficiently in the preliminary design phase of mixed-flow pump impellers.