Open Access

ARTICLE

Optimization of Guide Vane Geometry in a Pump-as-Turbine through an Orthogonal Test Approach

Fengxia Shi^1,2, Pengcheng Wang^1,*, Haonan Zhan¹, Xiangyun Shi¹

1 School of Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, 730050, China
2 Key Laboratory of Fluid Machinery and Systems of Gansu, Lanzhou, 730050, China

* Corresponding Author: Pengcheng Wang. Email:

Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing 2025, 21(5), 1221-1238. https://doi.org/10.32604/fdmp.2025.062244

Received 13 December 2024; Accepted 20 February 2025; Issue published 30 May 2025

Abstract

To investigate the impact of guide vane geometry—specifically, outlet angle, blade count, and radial height—on the performance of a Pump as Turbine (PAT), radial guide vanes were introduced upstream of the impeller in an IS80-50-315 low-specific-speed centrifugal PAT. Using an orthogonal test design, numerical simulations were conducted on 16 different PAT configurations, and the influence of vane geometry on performance was analyzed through a range analysis to determine the optimal parameter combinations. The results indicate that the number of guide vane blades significantly affects both the hydraulic efficiency and water head of the PAT under optimal operating conditions. Notably, the hydraulic efficiency of Configuration No. 1 (featuring five guide vane blades, a 6° outlet angle, and a 46 mm radial height) is 4.31% higher than that of Configuration No. 13 (with the same blade count but a 9° outlet angle and a 52 mm radial height). Additionally, Configuration No. 1 exhibits lower turbulence kinetic energy dissipation and reduced blade loading. Furthermore, the study reveals that a smaller guide vane outlet angle and reduced radial height contribute to improved operational stability.

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Keywords

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