energies

Article
Influence of Prewhirl Angle and Axial Distance on
Energy Performance and Pressure Fluctuation for a
Centrifugal Pump with Inlet Guide Vanes
Yabin Liu, Lei Tan *, Ming Liu, Yue Hao and Yun Xu
State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
liuyabin_thu@163.com (Y.L.); lmamor@126.com (M.L.); reggie2013@sina.com (Y.H.);
xuyun921017@163.com (Y.X.)
* Correspondence: tanlei@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-10-6278-0605

Academic Editor: Leonardo P. Chamorro

Received: 16 February 2017; Accepted: 12 May 2017; Published: 15 May 2017

Abstract: The energy performance and pressure fluctuations in a centrifugal pump with inlet guide
vanes (IGVs) are investigated experimentally and numerically in a prewhirl angle range of −24◦ to
24◦ and in an axial distance range of 280 mm, 380 mm, and 460 mm. The reliability and accuracy of
the numerical method are validated by the satisfactory agreement between the experimental data and
numerical results. Prewhirl regulation with IGVs can significantly increase the energy performance
and broaden the efficient operation range for the centrifugal pump due to the improvement of flow
pattern at the impeller inlet. The prewhirl angle has an obvious impact on pump energy performance,
and the maximum amplitudes of pressure fluctuations on the blade leading edge of the pressure and
suction sides decrease by 69% and 89%, respectively. The axial distance has a slight impact on pump
energy performance, but the maximum amplitudes of pressure fluctuations drop by 35.4% on the
blade leading edge of pressure side when the axial distance extends from 280 mm to 460 mm.

Keywords: centrifugal pump; inlet guide vane; prewhirl regulation; energy performance;
pressure fluctuation

1. Introduction
The inlet guide vanes are widely used in operation adjustment of industrial centrifugal
compressors, especially in the case of a slight pressure variation at constant rotational speed. IGVs
for centrifugal compressors have been thoroughly studied both experimentally and numerically.
Zhou et al. [1] investigated the unsteady IGVs–impeller–diffuser interaction in a centrifugal compressor,
and found that the unsteadiness in the diffuser with negative IGVs angles was larger than that with
positive prewhirl angles. Coppinger and Swain [2] demonstrated the test techniques and resulting
analyses of the existing design of inlet guide vanes systems for industrial centrifugal compressor, and
conducted some predictions of the performance of the improved IGVs system design. Mohseni et al. [3]
presented three different novel IGVs designs for centrifugal compressors and the results showed that
the s-cambered profile was preferred for applications with positive prewhirl. Cui [4] and Oro et al. [5]
focused on the unsteady flow for centrifugal compressors with inlet guide vanes, and analyzed the
unsteady flow structures, periodic interaction, and wake transport. Johnston and Fleeter [6] performed
experiments on pressure and velocity fields of wake-induced by IGVs for three IGV-rotor axial distances.
The results showed that higher harmonics of the vertical gust component for IGV wakes decayed at a
uniform rate due to viscous diffusion. The IGV-rotor axial distance had minimal effect on the velocity
deficit of IGVs’ wake. Fukutomi and Nakamura [7] studied the energy performance and internal flow
of a cross-flow fan with inlet guide vanes, with consideration of the effect of IGVs angle and length.

Energies 2017, 10, 695; doi:10.3390/en10050695 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2017, 10, 695 2 of 14

However, compared with centrifugal compressors, the prewhirl regulation of IGVs is seldom
adopted in centrifugal pumps, due to the inevitable pressure loss and potential deterioration of
cavitation performance caused by inlet guide vanes. However, related studies demonstrated that
the prewhirl regulation would widen the high efficiency zone and improve the energy performance
for off-design conditions with the proper prewhirl angle and axial distance [8]. Tan et al. [9–12]
proposed a new hydraulic design method of three-dimensional guide vanes for centrifugal pumps
and investigated the influence of prewhirl regulation by inlet guide vanes on energy performance,
cavitation performance, and unsteady flow characteristics in a centrifugal pump by numerical and
experimental studies. Ahmed et al. [13] realized an efficiency enhancement by 2% for a centrifugal
water pump under design condition, and the efficiency reached a maximum at the pre-whirl angle
of 60◦ . Chan et al. [14] numerically studied the effects of IGVs on the flow pattern and shear stress
in a centrifugal blood pump, and found that the IGV effected the inlet velocity triangles, and further
contributed to a drop in the pressure head. Ferro et al. [15] presented a fast design method for the inlet
guide vanes of low-cost mini hydraulic bulb turbines and validated it by traversing measurements
along the circumferential and radial directions with a five-hole probe.
The rotor-stator interaction between IGVs, impeller, and volute in a pump generates pressure
fluctuations and induces operation instability [16]. Therefore, related studies have been conducted
to sufficiently reveal the incentive, distribution, and intensity of pressure fluctuations in pumps.
Yang et al. [17] investigated the effects of the radial gap between impeller outlet and volute tongue on
efficiency and pressure fluctuations of a pump as turbine, and found that the rotor stator interaction
of impeller and volute would cause high-frequency fluctuations in the volute and low-frequency
fluctuations in the impeller. Spence et al. [18] investigated the pressure fluctuations in a centrifugal
pump by numerical methods and industrial tests. The results showed that the regions in the pump
experiencing the largest pressure fluctuations are located at the impeller outlet, with large fluctuations
also present in the volute at positions in close proximity to the cutwater or splitter. Zhang et al. [19]
analyzed pressure pulsation signals measured from shutoff to maximum operating conditions using
an auto-power spectrum algorithm and the root mean square (RMS) method, and found that a sloped
volute could significantly decrease the pressure pulsation level. Tan et al. [20,21] studied the pressure
fluctuations in a centrifugal pump under non-cavitation and cavitation conditions, and the result
showed that cavitation would greatly strengthen the amplitudes of the pressure fluctuations. The
above results show that the dominant frequencies of pressure fluctuations in a centrifugal pump are
closely related to the rotor-stator interaction between the impeller and volute. The amplitudes of the
pressure fluctuations are significantly enlarged under cavitation conditions.
Although some studies have been conducted on the prewhirl regulation of IGVs in centrifugal
pumps, the relationship among prewhirl angle, axial distance, and pump performance has not been
fully revealed, which is of significant importance on the energy performance and operation instability
for a centrifugal pump. Thus, a systematic investigation on the influence of the prewhirl angle and
axial distance on the energy performance and pressure fluctuation for a centrifugal pump with inlet
guide vanes is conducted in the present research.

2. Physical Model and Computational Mesh

2.1. Physical Model of Centrifugal Pump

The tested centrifugal pump is a conventional single suction centrifugal pump, and the main
design parameters of the centrifugal pump are listed in Table 1. Six IGVs are circumferential, evenly
installed in the suction pipe. The axial distance is defined as the distance between the central line of
IGVs and the impeller inlet. The prewhirl is defined as a positive value when the prewhirl direction of
IGVs is the same as the direction of impeller rotation; otherwise, the prewhirl is negative. In the present
work, 16 computational cases are built for suction pipes without IGVs and with IGVs at different
prewhirl angles (0◦ , ±12◦ , ±24◦ ) with three axial distances (280 mm, 380 mm, 460 mm).
Energies 2017, 10, 695 3 of 14

present2017,
Energies work, 16
computational cases are built for suction pipes without IGVs and with IGVs
10, 695 3 of at
14
different prewhirl angles (0°, ±12°, ±24°) with three axial distances (280 mm, 380 mm, 460 mm).

Table 1. Parameters for the centrifugal pump.

Table 1. Parameters for the centrifugal pump.

Parameter
Parameter Value
Value
Rated Flow Rate Q (m3/h) 340340
Rated Flow Rate Q (m3 /h)
Rated Rated
Head H Head
(m) H (m) 30 30
Rotational Speed Speed
Rotational n (r/min)
n (r/min) 14501450
Specific
Specific Speed Speed
ns ns 127127
NumberNumber of Impeller
of Impeller BladesBlades
Zi Zi 6 6
Number of InletofGuide
Number Vane Blades
Inlet Guide Zg
Vane Blades Zg 6 6
Impeller diameter
Impeller D2 (mm)
diameter D2 (mm) 329329
Blade Blade
width width b2 exit
at exit at (mm)b2 (mm) 34.634.6
Diameter of PumpDInlet
Diameter of Pump Inlet i (mm)Di (mm) 350350
Diameter of Pump Outlet Do (mm) 420
Diameter of Pump Outlet Do (mm) 420

The test
test apparatus
apparatusforforthe
the centrifugal
centrifugal pump
pump consists
consists of an
of (1) (1)exhaust
an exhaust (Sections
(Sections 1–3),
1–3), (2) (2) a
a pump
pump (Sections
(Sections 4–7), and4–7),
(3)and (3) asupply
a water water supply (Sections
(Sections 8–10), as8–10),
shown as in
shown
Figurein1.Figure 1. The computation
The computation domain
domain
consists consists
of threeofparts:
three aparts: a suction
suction pipe pipe without
without or with
or with IGVs,
IGVs, an an impeller,
impeller, andanda avolute
volute for
for the
centrifugal pump.

1 2

10 9 8 7 6 5 4
Figure 1.
Figure 1. Schematic
Schematic diagram
diagram ofof the
the experimental
experimentalrig.
rig.1:1:regulating
regulatingvalve;
valve;2: 2:
turbine
turbineflowmeter; 3:
flowmeter;
pressure
3: gauge;
pressure 4: motor;
gauge; 5: composite
4: motor; 5: compositetorque detector;
torque 6: centrifugal
detector; pump;pump;
6: centrifugal 7: IGV;7:8:IGV;
vacuum gauge;
8: vacuum
9: regulating
gauge; valve; and
9: regulating 10:and
valve; water
10:tank.
water tank.

2.2. Computational
2.2. Computational Domain
Domain and
and Mesh
Mesh
Figure 22 shows
Figure shows the
the computational
computational domain
domain and
and mesh
mesh of
of the
the centrifugal
centrifugal pump
pump with
with IGVs.
IGVs. The
The
structural hexahedron meshes are employed for the impeller and IGVs, and the
structural hexahedron meshes are employed for the impeller and IGVs, and the local mesh encryptions local mesh
encryptions
are are applied
applied near near
the blade thevane
and bladesurfaces
and vaneassurfaces
shown in asFigure
shown2d,e.
in Figure 2d,e. To investigate
To investigate the
the pressure
pressure fluctuations in the impeller and volute for the centrifugal pump, 10 monitoring
fluctuations in the impeller and volute for the centrifugal pump, 10 monitoring points are set in the points are
set in the impeller and 13 monitoring points are set in the volute, as shown in Figure
impeller and 13 monitoring points are set in the volute, as shown in Figure 2f. Monitoring points in2f. Monitoring
points
the in theare
impeller impeller
namedare named as
as PS1–PS5 PS1–PS5
and SS1–SS5and SS1–SS5
on the bladeon the blade
pressure and pressure and from
suction sides suction
thesides
inlet
from the inlet to the outlet, and monitoring points in the volute are named as V1–V12
to the outlet, and monitoring points in the volute are named as V1–V12 from the volute tongue from the volute
to
tongue
the to the outlet.
outlet.
Energies 2017, 10, 695 4 of 14
Energies 2017, 10, 695 4 of 14

Volute Impeller domain Volute domain

Impeller
IGVs domain
IGVs

Flow direction
(a) Centrifugal pump with IGVs (b) Mesh of centrifugal pump with IGVs

(c) Impeller (d) Mesh of impeller

(e) Mesh of IGVs (f) Monitoring points in pump

Figure 2. Computation domain, mesh, and monitor points for the centrifugal pump.
Figure 2. Computation domain, mesh, and monitor points for the centrifugal pump.

3. Numerical Method and Setting

3. Numerical Method and Setting
3.1. Numerical Method
3.1. Numerical Method
In the present work, the computation fluid dynamics software CFX 14.5 (ANSYS Inc., Pittsburgh,
In the
PA, present
USA) work,
and the RNG thek-εcomputation fluid are
turbulence model dynamics software
employed. CFX 14.5conditions
The boundary (ANSYS Inc., Pittsburgh,
are set as: the
PA, USA) and the RNG k-ε
total pressure at pump inlet, the mass flow rate at the pump outlet, and no slip wall at the walls. set
turbulence model are employed. The boundary conditions are Theas:
the total
methodspressure at pumpand
of frozen-rotor inlet, the mass flow rate
transient-rotor-stator at the pump
are applied outlet,
to couple and no and
the rotational slip stationary
wall at the
walls.domains
The methods of frozen-rotor
for steady and unsteadyand transient-rotor-stator
calculations, are applied
respectively [22–24]. to couple
The relative the rotational
position between the and
stable suction
stationary domains pipe
forand the volute
steady and the rotational
and unsteady impeller
calculations, remains unchanged
respectively [22–24]. Thein the frozen-rotor
relative position
method,
between the while
stableitsuction
varies according
pipe andtothethevolute
angularandvelocity of the impeller
the rotational in theremains
impeller transient-rotor-stator
unchanged in
method.
the frozen-rotor method, while it varies according to the angular velocity of the impeller in the
transient-rotor-stator method.
Energies 2017, 10, 695 5 of 14
Energies 2017, 10, 695 5 of 14

Taking the results of the steady simulation as the initial flow field, the unsteady calculation
Taking the results of the steady simulation as the initial flow field, the unsteady calculation is
is conducted to investigate the unsteady flow and pressure fluctuations in the centrifugal pump.
conducted to investigate the unsteady flow and pressure fluctuations in the centrifugal pump. The
The convergence criterion is set as that the value of the root mean square residual is below 1 × 10−5 .
convergence criterion is set as that the value of the root mean square residual is below 1 × 10−5.
3.2. Independence Test of Mesh Density and Time Step
3.2. Independence Test of Mesh Density and Time Step
To validate the independence of the mesh density, four sets of meshes with mesh elements from
To validate the independence of the mesh density, four sets of meshes with mesh elements from
1,709,954 to 3,165,914 are employed to conduct calculations on the centrifugal pump without IGVs.
1,709,954 to 3,165,914 are employed to conduct calculations on the centrifugal pump without IGVs.
As shown in Table 2, the variation of pump head and efficiency is minuscule with ∆H/H1 ≤ 0.0065 and
As shown in Table 2, the variation of pump head and efficiency is minuscule with ΔH/H1 ≤ 0.0065
∆η/η 1 ≤ 0.0006. Therefore, comprehensively considering the calculation cost and accuracy, Mesh 2
and Δη/η1 ≤ 0.0006. Therefore, comprehensively considering the calculation cost and accuracy, Mesh
with 2,155,166 elements is chosen in the following calculations.
2 with 2,155,166 elements is chosen in the following calculations.
Table 2. Pump head H and efficiency η versus mesh elements.
Table 2. Pump head H and efficiency η versus mesh elements.
Item
Item Mesh
Mesh 1 1 Mesh
Mesh2 2 Mesh 33
Mesh Mesh4 4
Mesh
Suction
Suction pipe
pipe 290,880
290,880 290,880
290,880 290,880 290,880
290,880
Impeller
Impeller 744,840
744,840 1,190,052
1,190,052 1,773,612 2,200,800
2,200,800
Volute
Volute 674,234
674,234 674,234
674,234 674,234 674,234
674,234
Whole
Wholepassage
passage 1,709,954
1,709,954 2,155,166
2,155,166 2,738,726
2,738,726 3,165,914
3,165,914
H/H H/H1 1 11 1.0022
1.0022 1.0048
1.0048 1.0065
1.0065
η/η 1 1 1.0003 1.0006 1.0004
η/η1 1 1.0003 1.0006 1.0004

period of
The rotation period of impeller
impeller for
for the
thecentrifugal
centrifugalpump
pumpisisTT==60/1450
60/1450 s == 0.04137931 s. Three
different time
different timesteps
stepsare
areset
setasas1.0776
1.0776× ×1010 2.1552××10
−4−4s,s,2.1552 10−−44 s, and 4.3103×× 10
and 4.3103 10−−44 s,s, which 1/384T,
which are 1/384T,
1/192T, and
1/192T, and 1/96T,
1/96T,respectively,
respectively, toto validate
validate independence
independence of the time step. Figure 3 presents the time
histories of pressure at two monitoring points PS4 and V0, which are located at the blade pressure
side and volute tongue, respectively. The results show that the predicted pressure curves are highly
consistent at both positions, illustrating that the influence of time step ∆t Δt on the simulation result is
negligible. Considering
negligible. Considering both
boththethecalculation
calculationcost costand
andaccuracy,
accuracy,a atime
timestep 2.1552××10
stepofof2.1552 10−−44 s is chosen
in the following calculations.
calculations.

Time histories
Figure 3. Time
Figure histories of
of pressure
pressure fluctuations
fluctuations on
on PS4
PS4 and
and V0.
V0.

4. Result
Resultsand
andDiscussion
Discussion

4.1. Simulation Accuracy

4.1. Simulation Accuracy Validation
Validation
The
The experiment
experiment of
of the
the test
test pump
pump was
was carried
carried out
out at
at Dongfang
Dongfang Pump
Pump Co.,
Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China).
Ltd (Shanghai, China).
Through uncertainty analysis of the system, the comprehensive error of the pump performance
Through uncertainty analysis of the system, the comprehensive error of the pump performance
measurement is estimated within ±0.358%. To validate the reliability and accuracy of the numerical
method, the steady calculations are carried out under five working conditions and five prewhirl
Energies 2017, 10, 695 6 of 14

measurement estimated within ±0.358%. To validate the reliability and accuracy of the numerical
is695
Energies 2017, 10, 6 of 14
method, the steady calculations are carried out under five working conditions and five prewhirl angles
with the axial
angles with distance
the axial of 380 mm.
distance of Figure
380 mm. 4 shows
Figurethe comparison
4 shows of performance
the comparison curves of head
of performance andof
curves
efficiency between the experimental and simulation results. The simulation performance
head and efficiency between the experimental and simulation results. The simulation performance curves for all
cases are in remarkable agreement with the experimental results, with the maximum
curves for all cases are in remarkable agreement with the experimental results, with the maximum relative errors
atrelative
small flow rates
errors smaller
at small than
flow 5.0%.
rates For flow
smaller thanrates
5.0%.around therates
For flow best around
efficiency
thepoint, the maximum
best efficiency point,
relative errors of pump efficiency for different prewhirl angles are smaller than 0.2%.
the maximum relative errors of pump efficiency for different prewhirl angles are smaller than 0.2%. Additionally,
there is a difference
Additionally, therebetween the computational
is a difference model and experimental
between the computational model, whichmodel,
model and experimental is the axial
which
mounting
is the axialbracket in thebracket
mounting suction in
pipe.
the Itsuction
is validated byisnumerical
pipe. It validatedsimulation thatsimulation
by numerical the impactthatof the
the
bracket on pump performance can be neglected.
impact of the bracket on pump performance can be neglected.

(a) No IGVs (b) Prewhirl angle γ = 0°

(c) Prewhirl angle γ = −12° (d) Prewhirl angle γ = 12°

(e) Prewhirl angle γ = −24° (f) Prewhirl angle γ = 24°

Figure 4. Comparison of pump performance between the experimental and simulation results.
Figure 4. Comparison of pump performance between the experimental and simulation results.
 Energies 2017, 10, 695 7 of 14

Energies
4.2. 2017, 10, 695of
Influence Prewhirl Angle of IGVs on Pump Performance 7 of 14
Energies 2017, 10, 695 7 of 14
Figure 5 shows the variation of head and efficiency for the centrifugal pumps without IGVs and
4.2.with
4.2. Influence
IGVsofforPrewhirl
Prewhirl Angle of
Angle
five prewhirl of IGVs
IGVs
angles on with
on Pumpthe
Pump Performance
Performance
axial distance of 380 mm. With the prewhirl angle
decreasing
Figure from the
Figure 5 shows
shows 24° to −24°, ofthe
thevariation
variation ofhead pump
headandand head dramatically
efficiency
efficiencyforfor
thethe increases
centrifugal
centrifugal atpumps
pumps allwithout
flow rates, which
IGVsIGVs
without and
anddemonstrates
withwith
IGVsIGVs the
for five pump
prewhirl
for five head is
angles
prewhirl significantly
with with
angles influenced
the axial distance
the axial by the
of 380
distance prewhirl
of mm. angle
With the
380 mm. γ. The reason
Withprewhirl is
angle
the prewhirl that
when
decreasing
angle thefrom
prewhirl
decreasing 24° angle
from to todecreases
24◦−24°,−24the ◦ , the
pumpfrom
pump a positive
head head angle toincreases
dramatically
dramatically a increases
negativeatat
angle,
all
allflowthe rates,
flow circumferential
which
which
velocity at the
demonstrates the pump
demonstrates impeller
pump head inlet
head is will also decrease
is significantly
significantly influencedfrom a
influenced bypositive
by the value
the prewhirlto a negative
prewhirl angle
angle γ. value,
γ. The reason thusis
reason iscausing
that
that
the the
when
when increase of theangle
the prewhirl
prewhirl pump
angle head according
decreases
decreases from aa to
from the Euler
positive
positive equation.
angle
angle to aa negative
to negative angle,
angle, the
the circumferential
circumferential
velocity at
velocity at the
the impeller
impeller inlet
inlet will
will also
also decrease
decrease from
from aa positive
positive value
value to
to aa negative
negative value,
value, thus
thus causing
causing
the increase
the increase of
of the
the pump
pump head
head according
accordingto tothe
theEuler
Eulerequation.
equation.

(a) Variation of head (b) Variation of efficiency

Figure 5. Experimental results of head and efficiency in pumps without and with IGVs.
(a) Variation of head (b) Variation of efficiency
It can be illustrated from Figure 5b that all efficiencies of pumps with prewhirl regulation are
Figure 5. 5. Experimental results results of
of head
head and
and efficiency
efficiency inin pumps
pumps without
without and and with
withIGVs.
IGVs.
higher than Figure that Experimental
without IGVs when the flow rate is below 380 m3/h. For low flow rates below 280
m It/h,can
3 thebeefficiencies
illustratedof frompumps Figurewith 5bpositive prewhirl angles
that all efficiencies of pumpsare higher than those
with prewhirl with negative
regulation are
It can beangles.
prewhirl illustrated However,from Figure
for 5b flow
large that all efficiencies
rates beyond of
360 pumps
m 3/h, with
the prewhirl regulation
efficiencies of pumpsare with
higher than that without IGVs when the flow rate is below 380 m /h. 3 For low flow rates
3 /h. For low flow rates below below 280
higher than that without IGVs when the flow rate is below 380 m
m3/h, 3the efficiencies of pumps with positive prewhirl angles are higher than those with negative at
positive prewhirl angles are lower than those with negative prewhirl angles. The reason is that,
280lowm /h,flow the efficiencies
rates, the positiveof pumps with suppress
positive prewhirl angles3are higher thanand those with negative
prewhirl angles. However, forprewhirl
large flow the second
rates beyond 360 flow
m3 /h,inthe impeller,
efficiencies improve
of pumps thewith
pump
prewhirl angles.
efficiency. Figure However,
6 shows forthe large flow rates
pressure beyond and
distribution 360 surface
m /h, the efficiencies
streamlines on ofa pumps with
circumferential
positive prewhirl angles are lower than those with negative prewhirl angles. The reason is that, at
positive
section prewhirl
of D =the angles
200 mm are lower
in aprewhirl than those
blade-to-blade with negative
passage at Q =flow prewhirl
200 m Itangles. The reason is that, at
in /h. can been
and seen that the
the pressure
3
low flow rates, positive suppress the second impeller, improve pump
lowatflow rates,
the section the positive
for6 γshows
= −24°the prewhirl
is higher suppress the
thandistribution second
that for γ = and flow
24°, and in impeller,
thisstreamlines
phenomenon and improve the pump
efficiency. Figure pressure surface oncorresponds with the
a circumferential
efficiency.
pump Figurefor
heads 6 shows the pressure
different prewhirl distribution
angles. Thereandissurface
an streamlines
obvious second on a
flow circumferential
at this section,section
and the
section of D = 200 mm in a blade-to-blade passage at Q =3 200 m3/h. It can been seen that the pressure
of D = 200
intensity mm offor in a blade-to-blade
theγsecond flow passage
is suppressed at Q =
when 200 m /h. It
the prewhirl can been seen
angle turns from that the pressure to γ the
γ = −24° with at = 24°,
at the section ◦= −24° is higher than that for ◦γ = 24°, and this phenomenon corresponds the
section
while for
at = −24
γlarge flow is rate
higher the than
impactthatloss
for γof =IGVs
24 , and
with this phenomenon
positive prewhirl corresponds
angles with
greatly the pumpand
increases,
pump heads for different prewhirl angles. There is an obvious second flow at this section, and the
heads
thenfor different
reduces prewhirl ofangles. There is an obvious second flow at this section, and the intensity of
intensity of the the second effectflow prewhirl
is suppressedregulation
whenon thepump efficiency.
prewhirl angle turns◦ from γ = ◦−24° to γ = 24°,
the second flow
Generally, is suppressed
IGVs can when
significantlythe prewhirl
increase angle
the turns
energy from γ = −24oftothe
performance γ= 24 , whilepump,
centrifugal at largeand
while at large flow rate the impact loss of IGVs with positive prewhirl angles greatly increases, and
flowtherate the is
effect impact
strongly loss influenced
of IGVs with bypositive prewhirl
the prewhirl angles
angle. By greatly
changing increases, and then
the prewhirl anglereduces the
at different
then reduces the effect of prewhirl regulation on pump efficiency.
effect
flow of prewhirl
rates, theIGVs regulation
efficient on pump
operation range efficiency.
of thethecentrifugal pump can be
Generally, can significantly increase energy performance of effectively
the centrifugal broadened.
pump, and
the effect is strongly influenced by the prewhirl angle. By changing the prewhirl angle at different
flow rates, the efficient Suctionoperation
side range of the centrifugal pump can be effectively broadened.
Pressure side

Suction side Pressure side

(a) γ = −24° (b) γ = 24°

Figure
Figure 6. Pressure
6. Pressure distribution
distribution andand surface
surface streamlines
streamlines in a in a blade-to-blade
blade-to-blade passage
passage at Qat= Q = 200
200 m3/h.
m3 /h.
(a) γ = −24° (b) γ = 24°

Figure 6. Pressure distribution and surface streamlines in a blade-to-blade passage at Q = 200 m3/h.
Energies 2017, 10, 695 8 of 14

Generally,
Energies 2017, 10, 695IGVs can significantly increase the energy performance of the centrifugal pump,8 and of 14
the effect is strongly influenced by the prewhirl angle. By changing the prewhirl angle at different flow
rates,To
thereveal
efficient theoperation
flow details
rangeinofpumps withoutpump
the centrifugal and with
can be IGVs, the three-dimensional
effectively broadened. vortex
defined by thethe
To reveal Qflow
criterion is in
details presented in the downstream
pumps without and with IGVs, viewthe in Figures 7 and 8,vortex
three-dimensional baseddefined
on the
simulation
by resultsisatpresented
the Q criterion the designed in theflow rate. The Q
downstream criterion
view is the7second
in Figures invariant
and 8, based of the
on the velocity
simulation
results at the designed flow rate. The Q criterion 1 is the second invariant of the velocity gradient tensor,
gradient tensor, which is defined as Q = ((∇ ⋅ V )2 − tr(∇V 2 )) . Compared with the centrifugal pump
which is defined as Q = 12 ((∇ · V )2 − tr (∇2V 2 )). Compared with the centrifugal pump without IGVs,
without
the vortex IGVs, the vortex
intensity intensity
significantly significantly
decreases and thedecreases and the vortex
vortex distribution distribution
is more uniformisinmore
pumpsuniform
with
in pumpsregulation.
prewhirl with prewhirl When regulation.
the prewhirlWhenangle
the prewhirl
decreases angle ◦
fromdecreases
24 to −from ◦
24 , the24°vortex
to −24°,core
the region
vortex
core region
gradually gradually
increases increases
on the blades,on as the
wellblades,
as in theasvicinity
well as of
inthe
theblade
vicinity of the
leading blade
edge, leading
while edge,
the vortex
while the vortex intensity in the suction pipe decreases at first, and then
intensity in the suction pipe decreases at first, and then increases with a relative range. The above increases with a relative
range. The
analysis above that,
indicates analysiswithindicates that, with of
the consideration thevortex
consideration
intensityofinvortex intensity
the impeller andinsuction
the impeller
pipe,
and suction
prewhirl pipe, prewhirl
regulation with IGVs regulation
remarkably with IGVs remarkably
optimizes optimizes
the flow pattern in thethe flow pattern
impeller and makesin the it
impeller
more and makeswhich
homogeneous, it more homogeneous,
explains the efficiencywhich explains the
improvement efficiency
at the designedimprovement at the
flow rate, as shown
designed
in Figure 5b. flowForrate, as shown
different in Figure
prewhirl 5b. For
angles, thedifferent
positiveprewhirl
prewhirlangles,
showsthe positive
better prewhirl effects
optimization shows
betterthe
than optimization effects than
negative prewhirl, but the theincrease
negativeofprewhirl,
the positivebutprewhirl
the increaseangle of also
the positive
leads to prewhirl angle
greater energy
also on
loss leads
theto greater
guide energy
vanes. loss on the guide
Consequently, vanes. Consequently,
comprehensively considering comprehensively
the energy loss considering
in the impeller the
energy
and loss in
suction the the
pipe, impeller
pumpand withsuction pipe,regulation
prewhirl the pumpof with 0◦ reaches
γ =prewhirl regulation
the highestof γefficiency
= 0° reaches the
at the
highest efficiency at the designed
designed flow rate, as shown in Table 3. flow rate, as shown in Table 3.

(a) No IGVs (b) γ = 0°

(c) γ = −24° (d) γ = 24°

Figure7.7.Isosurface
Figure IsosurfaceofofQQ==1.5
1.5×× 10
1055 ss−
−22in impeller passage for pumps without and with IGVs.
in impeller passage for pumps without and with IGVs.
Energies 2017, 10, 695 9 of 14
Energies 2017, 10, 695 9 of 14

(a) γ = −24° (b) γ = 0° (c) γ = 24°

Figure8.8.Isosurface
Figure IsosurfaceofofQQ==1.5
1.5×× 10
1055 ss−2−2ininthe
thesuction
suctionpipe
pipefor
forpumps
pumpswith
withIGVs.
IGVs.

Table 3. Experimental results of the highest efficiencies and corresponding flow rates.
Table 3. Experimental results of the highest efficiencies and corresponding flow rates.
Item No IGVs γ = −24° γ = −12° γ = −0° γ = 12° γ = 24°
Item
Flow rate at No (m
highest efficiency IGVs
3/h) = −24◦
γ342.43 γ = −12◦351.74γ = −343.23
350.36 0◦ ◦
γ = 12332.1 24◦
γ = 330.78
FlowHighest efficiency (%)
rate at highest 76.63 77.23 78.42 78.76 78.68 78.18
3 342.43 350.36 351.74 343.23 332.1 330.78
efficiency (m /h)
Highest
Takingefficiency
the steady (%)calculation
76.63 results77.23 78.42 field, the
as the initial flow 78.76
transient 78.68
simulation 78.18
under the
designed flow rate is conducted for 12.5 impeller revolutions. The data of the last 10 revolutions is
used Taking
to construct the fast
the steady Fourier transform
calculation (FFT),
results as the so flow
initial the frequency characteristics
field, the transient of theunder
simulation pressure
the
fluctuations on the monitoring points are obtained.
designed flow rate is conducted for 12.5 impeller revolutions. The data of the last 10 revolutions is
usedTable 4 showsthe
to construct thefast
dominant
Fourierfrequencies and maximum
transform (FFT), amplitudes
so the frequency of the pressure
characteristics fluctuations
of the pressure
on the monitoring
fluctuations on thepoints in the points
monitoring impellerareand volute. It can be seen that all frequencies of the pressure
obtained.
fluctuations
Table 4 for pumps
shows without and
the dominant with IGVsand
frequencies are the integer amplitudes
maximum times of the impeller rotating
of the pressure frequency
fluctuations
fon
i, demonstrating
the monitoringthat the in
points impeller rotation
the impeller andand the rotor-stator
volute. interaction
It can be seen between the
that all frequencies ofimpeller and
the pressure
volute are the
fluctuations forcrucial
pumpsfactors
withoutforand
the with
frequency characteristics
IGVs are of theof
the integer times pressure fluctuations.
the impeller rotating frequency
f i , demonstrating that the impeller rotation and the rotor-stator interaction between the impeller and
volute Table 4. Spectrum
are the analysisfor
crucial factors of pressure fluctuations
the frequency in pumps without
characteristics and withfluctuations.
of the pressure IGVs (Q = 340 m3/h).

Monitoring Dominant Frequency Maximum Amplitude of Pressure Fluctuation (Pa)

Point 4. Spectrum
Table No IGVs analysisγof= 0° pressure
γ = fluctuations
−24° γ = 24° in pumps without and
No IGVs γ =with
0° IGVsγ(Q = 340 m3 /h).
= −24° γ = 24°
PS1 fi fi fi fi 4202 1381 2381 1314
PS3 2fi Dominant
2fi Frequency
2fi 2fi Maximum
3938 Amplitude
3771 of Pressure
3565Fluctuation (Pa)
3774
Monitoring
PS5
Point No IGVs 6f i γ=0 6f
◦ i 6f
γ = −24 i ◦ 6f i
γ = 24 ◦ 6077
No IGVs 6159
γ=0 ◦ 5976
γ = −24 ◦ 6140
γ = 24◦
SS1 fi fi fi 5fi 3076 1079 1103 337
PS1 fi fi fi f 4202 1381 2381 1314
SS3 fi fi fi 2fi i 4395 1845 2878 1913
PS3 2f i 2f i 2f i 2f i 3938 3771 3565 3774
SS5
PS5 6f i2fi 6f i 2fi 6f2fi i 2f6fi 4812
6077 4707
6159 4453
5976 4748
6140
i
V1
SS1 fi 6f i fi 6f i 6f
fi i 6f i
5f i 8336
3076 8082
1079 8491
1103 7846
337
V3
SS3 f i 6fi f i 6fi f6f
ii 6f2fi i 6580
4395 6660
1845 6599
2878 6685
1913
V5
SS5 2f i6fi 2f i 6fi 2f6fi i 6f2fi i 2800
4812 2784
4707 2772
4453 2757
4748
V1
V7 6f i6fi 6f i 6fi 6f6fi i 6f6fi i 8336
4012 8082
3970 8491
4020 7846
3912
V3
V9 6f i6fi 6f i 6fi 6f6fi i 6f6fi i 6580
7868 6660
7871 6599
7967 6685
7768
V5 6f i 6f i 6f i 6f i 2800 2784 2772 2757
V7 6f i 6f i 6f i 6f i 4012 3970 4020 3912
Except
V9 for γ 6f
= i24° on SS1 6f i and SS3,6fthe i dominant
6f i frequencies
7868 of the
7871pressure fluctuations
7967 on the
7768
blade are all the same for pumps with and without IGVs. Compared with pumps without IGVs, the
maximum
Exceptamplitudes
for γ = 24◦ of onthe
SS1pressure
and SS3, fluctuations
the dominant onfrequencies
PS1, SS1, and
of theSS3 in pumps
pressure with IGVs
fluctuations on
significantly decrease, with maximum drops of 69%, 89%, and 58%, respectively.
the blade are all the same for pumps with and without IGVs. Compared with pumps without For all pumps
without
IGVs, theand with IGVs,
maximum the dominant
amplitudes frequencies
of the pressure on PS3,on
fluctuations PS5,
PS1,and SS5
SS1, andremain
SS3 inthe same,
pumps andIGVs
with the
variation of maximum amplitudes is very small. For different prewhirl angles,
significantly decrease, with maximum drops of 69%, 89%, and 58%, respectively. For all pumps withoutthe maximum
amplitudes on PS1
and with IGVs, and SS3 atfrequencies
the dominant γ = −24° are onlarger thanand
PS3, PS5, those
SS5atremain
γ = 0° the
andsame,
γ = 24°,
andwhich can be
the variation
attributed to the interaction between the negative prewhirl regulation and the positive
of maximum amplitudes is very small. For different prewhirl angles, the maximum amplitudes rotation in the
on
impeller. For γ = 24°, the dominant frequencies on SS1 and SS3 change to 2f and 5f , which
PS1 and SS3 at γ = −24◦ are larger than those at γ = 0◦ and γ = 24◦ , which can be attributed to the
i i are related
to the strongbetween
interaction positivetheprewhirl effect
negative shownregulation
prewhirl in Figure 7d.
andThe
theabove analysis
positive rotationindicates
in the that prewhirl
impeller. For
regulation makes the flow state at the impeller inlet more homogeneous and further optimizes the
pressure fluctuation characteristics on the blade. The influence of the prewhirl angle on pressure
Energies 2017, 10, 695 10 of 14

γ = 24◦ , the dominant frequencies on SS1 and SS3 change to 2f i and 5f i , which are related to the strong
positive prewhirl effect shown in Figure 7d. The above analysis indicates that prewhirl regulation
makes the flow state at the impeller inlet more homogeneous and further optimizes the pressure
fluctuation characteristics on the blade. The influence of the prewhirl angle on pressure fluctuations is
related to the interaction between the prewhirl effect at the impeller inlet and the impeller rotation.
For pressure fluctuations on V1, V3, V5, V7, and V9 in the volute, the dominant frequencies are
all 6f i , which is the blade passing frequency. Similar with PS3, PS5, and SS5, the maximum amplitudes
on monitoring points in the volute nearly remain unchanged, demonstrating that the influence of
the prewhirl angle on pressure fluctuations in the volute is very slight. It can be concluded that the
influence level of prewhirl regulation and prewhirl angle on pressure fluctuations decreases from the
leading edge of blade to the volute for the centrifugal pump.
To evaluate pressure fluctuation energy in the pumps with and without IGVs, the RMS method is
applied in Equations (1) and (2): v
u N
u1
Prms = t ∑ ( Pi − P)2 (1)
N i =1

1 N
N i∑
P= Pi (2)
=1

where N is the sample number, Pi is the pressure at each time step, and P is the mean value of pressure.
Based on 1920 data points in the last 10 revolutions of the numerical simulation, the pressure RMS
values in the unsteady calculation are obtained. Table 5 shows the pressure RMS values on monitoring
points in the impeller and volute of pumps with and without IGVs. The variation trends of the
pressure RMS values in pumps with different prewhirl angles are similar with those of the maximum
amplitudes of pressure fluctuations in Table 4. Compared with pumps without IGVs, the pressure
RMS values on PS1, SS1, and SS3 in pumps with IGVs decrease by 58%, 83%, and 43%, respectively.
This shows that the IGVs significantly weaken the pressure fluctuation energy in the pump.

Table 5. Pressure RMS values in pumps with different prewhirl angles.

Monitoring Point No IGVs (Pa) γ = 0◦ (Pa) γ = −24◦ (Pa) γ = 24◦ (Pa)

PS1 3492 1474 1979 1485
PS3 4362 4239 4309 4493
PS5 8613 8600 8492 8696
SS1 2395 839 893 400
SS3 3960 2240 2674 2290
SS5 5898 5731 5709 5880
V1 9634 9610 9680 9501
V3 4791 4845 4804 4861
V5 1992 1980 1972 1962
V7 2903 2873 2909 2832
V9 5817 5817 5885 5743

Figure 9 shows pressure gradient and turbulence intensity distribution on blade-to-blade surfaces
in the middle span of the impeller. The turbulence intensity, also often referred to as turbulence level,
is defined as:
r r r
1 2 1 2
I = u0/U = (u0 + u02y + u02z )/ (U 2 + Uy2 + Uz2 ) = k/U (3)
3 x 3 x 3

where k is the turbulence kinetic energy and U is the mean velocity. Through the user-defined function
in CFX 14.5, the turbulence intensity I is defined according to Equation (3), thus, the turbulence
intensity distribution in the pump is obtained.
 surface side near the leading edge dramatically decreases when the prewhirl angle changes from −24°
to 24°, illustrating that the unsteady flow field in regions near the leading edge of blade for γ = 24° is
more disordered than that for γ = −24°. It can be concluded that a positive prewhirl angle produces
greater optimization effects on the flow state in the impeller than a negative prewhirl angle at the
designed
Energies 2017, 10,flow
695 rate, and the optimization of the flow field around points PS1, SS1, and11SS3 of 14
significantly reduces the pressure fluctuation amplitudes, as shown in Tables 4 and 5.

Figure
Figure 9. Pressure
9. Pressure gradient
gradient andturbulence
and turbulenceintensity
intensitydistribution
distribution at
at the
the middle
middle span
span of
of the
theimpeller.
impeller.

4.3. Influence of Axial Distance on Pump Performance

Compared with Figure 9a, the low pressure gradient regions in Figure 9b extend along the
The axial
flow direction anddistance DA is
the high defined gradient
pressure as the distance
regionsbetween
near thetheleading
central line
edgeof significantly
IGVs and the impeller
decrease,
inlet. To investigate
demonstrating the influence
that the pressure of the
gradient axial
in an distance
impeller withon athe energy
positive performance
prewhirl and
angle is muchpressure
lower
fluctuation in pumps with IGVs, the steady and unsteady simulation under the designed
than that in an impeller with a positive prewhirl angle, especially for regions near the leading edge flow rateof
are conducted in the present work.
the blade. As Figure 9c,d show, the turbulence intensity on the whole blade suction side and blade
surface Table 6 shows
side near the comparison
the leading of pump efficiencies
edge dramatically decreases with
whenaxial distancesangle
the prewhirl of 280changes
mm, 380from
mm, − and
24◦
460
to 24 mm. The experimental
◦ , illustrating results flow
that the unsteady showfield
thatinthe highest
regions nearefficiencies of pumps
the leading edge ofwith
bladedifferent
for γ = axial
24◦ is
distances are 78.410% at DA = 280 mm◦ for γ = −12°, 78.760% at DA = 380 mm for γ = 0°, and 78.560% at
more disordered than that for γ = −24 . It can be concluded that a positive prewhirl angle produces
DA = 460 mm for γ = 0°. The simulation results show that the highest efficiencies are 78.871% at DA =
greater optimization effects on the flow state in the impeller than a negative prewhirl angle at the
280 mm for γ = 0°, 78.894% at DA = 380 mm for γ = 0°, and 78.877% at DA = 460 mm for γ = 0°,
designed flow rate, and the optimization of the flow field around points PS1, SS1, and SS3 significantly
respectively. Therefore, the axial distance of 380 mm is the recommended axial distance for the
reduces the pressure fluctuation amplitudes, as shown in Tables 4 and 5.
present centrifugal pump and IGVs.
4.3. Influence of Axial Distance on Pump Performance
Table 6. Comparison of pump efficiency with different axial distances.
The axial distance DA is defined as the distance between the central line of IGVs and the impeller
Prewhirl Highest Efficiency in Experiment (%) Highest Efficiency in Simulation (%)
inlet. To investigate the influence of the axial distance on the energy performance and pressure
Angle 280 mm 380 mm 460 mm 280 mm 380 mm 460 mm
fluctuationγin= −24°
pumps with IGVs, the 77.230
76.900
steady and unsteady
77.630
simulation
78.183
under the designed
78.191
flow rate are
78.210
conducted γin= the
−12° present work.
78.280 78.420 78.440 78.714 78.719 78.720
Table 6γshows
= 0° the comparison
77.880 of78.760
pump efficiencies
78.560 with axial
78.871distances of 280 mm,
78.894 380 mm, and
78.877
460 mm. The γ = experimental
12° 78.410results show
78.680 that the78.400 78.784
highest efficiencies of 78.774
pumps with78.765
different axial
distances areγ =78.410%
24° at78.250
DA = 280 mm 78.180 ◦ , 78.760% at
for γ = −1278.190 78.022
DA = 38077.988 0◦ , and 78.560%
mm for γ = 77.946
at DA = 460 mm for γ = 0◦ . The simulation results show that the highest efficiencies are 78.871% at
DA = 280Figure
mm for 10 shows
γ = 0◦ , circumferential
78.894% at DA = velocity
380 mmdistribution
for γ = 0◦ , at
andthe78.877%
impelleratinlet
DA =with
460 different
mm for γaxial
= 0◦ ,
distances for γ = 0° at the designed flow rate. Due to the positive prewhirl effect for γ = 0°, the value
respectively. Therefore, the axial distance of 380 mm is the recommended axial distance for the present
of the circumferential velocity is negative, meaning that the rotation direction of the fluid is the same
centrifugal pump and IGVs.
as the impeller rotation direction. For DA = 280 mm, the flow at the impeller inlet is not homogeneous
enough at the impeller inlet compared with Figure 10b,c, which may lead to the disordered flow state
Table 6. Comparison of pump efficiency with different axial distances.
in the impeller. For DA = 460 mm, the fluid viscosity through the long suction pipe decreases the
velocity circulationHighest
at the impeller
Efficiencyinlet, thus weakening
in Experiment (%) the Highest
prewhirl effect, as
Efficiency in shown in Figure
Simulation (%) 10c.
Prewhirl
Angle 280 mm 380 mm 460 mm 280 mm 380 mm 460 mm
γ = −24◦ 76.900 77.230 77.630 78.183 78.191 78.210
γ = −12◦ 78.280 78.420 78.440 78.714 78.719 78.720
γ = 0◦ 77.880 78.760 78.560 78.871 78.894 78.877
γ = 12◦ 78.410 78.680 78.400 78.784 78.774 78.765
γ = 24◦ 78.250 78.180 78.190 78.022 77.988 77.946

Figure 10 shows circumferential velocity distribution at the impeller inlet with different axial
distances for γ = 0◦ at the designed flow rate. Due to the positive prewhirl effect for γ = 0◦ , the value
Energies 2017, 10, 695 12 of 14

of the circumferential velocity is negative, meaning that the rotation direction of the fluid is the same
as the impeller rotation direction. For DA = 280 mm, the flow at the impeller inlet is not homogeneous
enough at the impeller inlet compared with Figure 10b,c, which may lead to the disordered flow state
in the impeller. For DA = 460 mm, the fluid viscosity through the long suction pipe decreases the
Energies
velocity 2017, 10, 695 at the impeller inlet, thus weakening the prewhirl effect, as shown in Figure
circulation 12 of 14 10c.

Therefore, the axial distance of 380 mm is a proper choice to improve the energy performance of the
Therefore, the axial distance of 380 mm is a proper choice to improve the energy performance of the
centrifugal pump with IGVs.
centrifugal pump with IGVs.

(a) DA = 28 0mm (b) DA = 380 mm (c) DA = 460 mm

Figure
Figure 10. 10. Circumferentialvelocity
Circumferential velocity distribution
distribution atatthe
theimpeller inlet
impeller withwith
inlet different axial axial
different distances (γ
distances
= ◦0°).
(γ = 0 ).

To study the pressure fluctuations for different axial distances, the unsteady simulation under
To designed
the study theflowpressure
rate isfluctuations for different
carried out, and axialcharacteristics
the frequency distances, the ofunsteady simulation
the pressure under
fluctuations
the designed flow
are obtained byrate is carried
the fast Fourierout, and the frequency characteristics of the pressure fluctuations are
transform.
obtainedTable
by the fast Fourier transform.
7 shows the dominant frequencies and maximum amplitudes of pressure fluctuations on
Table 7 shows
monitoring theondominant
points frequencies
the impeller blade and and maximum
in the volute. Theamplitudes
results showof that,
pressure fluctuations
for different axial on
distances,
monitoring the dominant
points frequencies
on the impeller of pressure
blade and in fluctuations
the volute. on most
The monitor
results show points
that,remain the same,
for different axial
and the
distances, variation
the dominant of the maximumofamplitudes
frequencies on PS3, PS5,on
pressure fluctuations and SS5monitor
most is very slight.
pointsThe maximum
remain the same,
and amplitudes
the variation of pressure fluctuationsamplitudes
of the maximum on PS1, SS1,on and
PS3,SS3 PS5,
gradually decrease
and SS5 when
is very the axial
slight. Thedistance
maximum
amplitudes of pressure fluctuations on PS1, SS1, and SS3 gradually decrease when theon
increases from 280 mm to 460 mm, indicating that the influence of the axial distance pressure
axial distance
fluctuations in the impeller concentrates on the region near the blade leading edge. For PS1, on the
increases from 280 mm to 460 mm, indicating that the influence of the axial distance on pressure
blade leading edge of the pressure side, the maximum amplitude of the pressure fluctuation reduces
fluctuations in the impeller concentrates on the region near the blade leading edge. For PS1, on the
from 1697 pa to 1111 pa in a drop of 35%. This can be attributed to the decrease of the axial distance
blade leading edge of the pressure side, the maximum amplitude of the pressure fluctuation reduces
leading to the deterioration of the homogeneous degree at the impeller inlet and further influences
fromthe1697 papattern
flow to 1111 inpa
theinimpeller,
a drop of 35%. This
as shown can be
in Figure 10.attributed to the decrease of the axial distance
leading to the deterioration of the homogeneous degree at the impeller inlet and further influences the
flow pattern in7.the
Table impeller,
Spectrum as shown
analysis in Figure
of pressure 10. in pumps with different axial distances (γ = 0°).
fluctuations

Monitoring Dominant Frequency Maximum Amplitude of Pressure Fluctuation (Pa)

Table 7. Spectrum analysis of pressure fluctuations in pumps with different axial distances (γ = 0◦ ).
Point 280 mm 380 mm 460 mm 280 mm 380 mm 460 mm
PS1 fi fi fi 1697 1381 1111
Maximum Amplitude of Pressure
Monitoring
PS3 2fi Dominant
2fi Frequency 2fi 3718 3771 3778
Fluctuation (Pa)
Point
PS5 6fi 6fi 6fi 6137 6159 6157
SS1 280
fi mm f380
i
mm fi 460 mm 280
1232mm 380 1080
mm 4601026
mm
SS3
PS1 fi f i fi f i 2fi f i 2063
1697 1845
1381 1788
1111
SS5
PS3 2fi2f i 2fi 2f i 2fi 2f i 4666
3718 4706
3771 4704
3778
PS5
V1 6fi6f i 6fi 6f i 6fi 6f i 6137
8065 6159
8082 6157
8080
SS1
V3 6fi f i 6fi f i 6fi f i 1232
6671 1080
6660 1026
6653
SS3
V5 6fi f i 6fi f i 6fi 2f i 2063
2758 1845
2784 1788
2785
SS5
V7 6fi2f i 6fi 2f i 6fi 2f i 4666
3994 4706
3970 4704
3947
V1
V9 6fi6f i 6fi 6f i 6fi 6f i 8065
7884 8082
7871 8080
7852
V3 6f i 6f i 6f i 6671 6660 6653
V5 6f i 6f i 6f i 2758 2784 2785
AsV7Table 7 shows,
6f i both the6f idominant frequencies
6f i and
3994 maximum3970amplitudes of3947pressure
fluctuations
V9 in the 6fvolute
i
nearly
6f i
remain unchanged
6f i
with
7884the increase of
7871 the axial distance,
7852
demonstrating that the influence of the axial distance on pressure fluctuations in the volute can be
neglected.
The above analysis shows that the influence of the axial distance on pressure fluctuations in the
centrifugal pump decreases from the leading edge of the blade to the volute. The axial distance of 460
Energies 2017, 10, 695 13 of 14

As Table 7 shows, both the dominant frequencies and maximum amplitudes of pressure
fluctuations in the volute nearly remain unchanged with the increase of the axial distance,
demonstrating that the influence of the axial distance on pressure fluctuations in the volute can
be neglected.
The above analysis shows that the influence of the axial distance on pressure fluctuations in the
centrifugal pump decreases from the leading edge of the blade to the volute. The axial distance of
460 mm is most beneficial to reduce the pressure fluctuations in the pump, but the influence level
and action area are quite limited, especially for DA = 460 mm and DA = 380 mm. Therefore, the axial
distance of 380 mm is the comprehensive optimal selection for the centrifugal pump with IGVs, with
the consideration of energy performance and operation stability.

5. Conclusions
The influence of prewhirl angle and axial distance on energy performance and pressure fluctuation
for a centrifugal pump with IGVs is conducted experimentally and numerically in the present work,
and the main conclusions can be drawn as follows:

(1) Prewhirl regulation with IGVs can remarkably increase the energy performance of the centrifugal
pump in a wide region, and the effect is strongly influenced by the prewhirl angle.
(2) Prewhirl regulation makes the flow state at the impeller inlet more homogeneous, and further
optimizes the pressure fluctuation characteristics in the impeller. The influence of prewhirl
regulation on pressure fluctuations is related to the interaction between the prewhirl effect at the
impeller inlet and the impeller rotation.
(3) The axial distance between the IGVs and impeller has an impact on flow pattern at the impeller
inlet, and further affects the energy performance and pressure fluctuations in the centrifugal
pump. The effect of the axial distance on energy performance is slight, while, for the maximum
amplitudes of pressure fluctuations, they drop by 35.4% on the blade leading edge of the pressure
side when the distance extends from 280 mm to 460 mm.

Acknowledgments: This work has been supported by the Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research
Program (grant number 2014z21041), the Beijing Natural Science Foundation (grant number 3164045), the National
Natural Science Foundation of China (grant numbers 51579006, 51679122), and the Open Research Subject of Key
Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education (grant number szjj2015-021).
Author Contributions: Yabin Liu and Lei Tan conceived and designed the experiments and simulations; Yabin Liu,
Ming Liu, Yue Hao and Yun Xu performed the experiments and simulations; Yabin Liu and Lei Tan analyzed the
data and wrote the paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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