Automatic optimization of impeller meridional shape for centrifugal pumps based on CFD

The design of impeller meridional shape influences directly efficiency of centrifugal pumps. A hydraulic optimum design method of impeller meridional shape for centrifugal pumps was presented. The shroud radius R0 and R1, shroud angle T1, hub arc radius R2 and hub angle T2 on the meridional shape were selected as the optimum variables and the maximum of hydraulic efficiency was chosen as the objective function. The Isight software was used to integrate Pro/E, Gambit and Fluent, and the CFD automatic optimization of impeller meridional shape was realized. Optimal Latin hypercube experimental design method was used to produce data samples. A centrifugal pump with special speed of 84.8 was optimized with the method. The results show that the optimized head has increased by 4.85% than that of original design and the optimized hydraulic efficiency increases from 83.20% to 84.51% which improved 1.31 percentage points. Therefore, the automatic CFD optimum method of impeller meridional shape for centrifugal pumps is feasible and could provide a certain reference for optimum design of other pumps.