TY - EJOU AU - Shi, Fengxia AU - Wang, Pengcheng AU - Zhan, Haonan AU - Shi, Xiangyun TI - Optimization of Guide Vane Geometry in a Pump-as-Turbine through an Orthogonal Test Approach T2 - Fluid Dynamics \& Materials Processing PY - 2025 VL - 21 IS - 5 SN - 1555-2578 AB - 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. KW - Pump as turbine; radial guide vanes; orthogonal test; transient analysis DO - 10.32604/fdmp.2025.062244