Design Optimization of Centrifugal Pump Impellers in a Fixed Meridional Geometry using DOE

Abstract

This paper reports on an investigation (using RSM with commercial CFD software) of the performance characteristics of the impeller in a centrifugal pump. Geometric parameters of vane plane development were defined with the meridional shape and frontal view of the impeller. The parameters are focused on the blade-angle distributions through the impeller in a fixed meridional geometry. For screening, a <TEX>$2^k$</TEX> factorial design has been used to identify the important design parameters. The objective functions are defined as the total head rise and the total efficiency at the design flow-rate. From the <TEX>$2^k$</TEX> factorial design results, it is found that the incidence angles and the exit blade angle are the most important parameters influencing the performance of the pump.