Abstract
The diffuser of a reactor coolant pump was optimized using an orthogonal approach with numerical simulation to improve the pump hydraulic performance. Steady simulation was conducted by solving Reynolds-averaged Naiver-Stokes equations with the SST k-ω turbulence model using CFX code. The influence of the diffuser geometric parameters, namely, S, φ, α 4, b 4, δ 2, R t and R 4, on the pump performance were determined. L18 (37) orthogonal table was chosen for the optimization process. Best indicators were determined, and range analysis of energy losses, head, and efficiency at the rated condition was performed. Optimal parameters of the diffuser were S = 490 mm, φ = 36°, α 4 = 30°, b 4 = 200 mm, δ 2 = 20 mm, R t = 5 mm and R 4 = 565 mm. The final design was experimentally tested. Simulation results showed more remarkable performance than the experimental result. However, the numerical predictions and experimental results were consistent, validating the design procedure. Loading of the impeller and diffuser blades was analyzed to investigate the direct impact on the hydrodynamic flow field. The head was 14.74 m, efficiency was 79.6 %, and efficiency of the prototype pump was 83.3 % when the model pump functioned at the rated conditions. Optimization results showed that efficiency and head were improved at the design condition.
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Recommended by Associate Editor Do Hyung Lee
Long Yun received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Jiangsu University. Both degrees are on Fluid Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Long is a Doctor of Philosophy candidate from Shanghai Jiaotong University. His research interests include fluid mechanics, vibration, and design optimization.
Wang Dezhong is a Professor at the Shanghai Jiaotong University, where he received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering. His research interests include fluid mechanics, key technology of nuclear power equipment, flow visualization, and laser measurement technology.
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Yun, L., Rongsheng, Z., Dezhong, W. et al. Numerical and experimental investigation on the diffuser optimization of a reactor coolant pump with orthogonal test approach. J Mech Sci Technol 30, 4941–4948 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-016-1014-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-016-1014-8