Variable Speed Control in PATs: Theoretical, Experimental and Numerical Modelling

Abstract:

The selection of Pumps as Turbines (PATs) for their respective use in energy optimization systems is a complicated task because manufacturers do not provide the characteristic curves of it. For this reason, some research has been carried out to pbkp_redict them with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and mathematical models. The purpose of this study is to validate these two pbkp_rediction methodologies of flow (Q) vs. head (H) curves through numerical modelling using the computational package OpenFOAM together with a comparison with experimental data obtained from a PAT for the case in which the nominal rotation speed of the machine varies. Depending on the configuration and working conditions of the PAT, the simulation performed with OpenFoam was validated by calibrating it with the nominal curve of the pump and with another simulation performed with CFD workbench Solid Works Flo-EFD. Subsequently, the new expressions obtained by Plua [1] proposed to pbkp_redict the Q vs. H curves were validated with new models in Openfoam and the experimental data. The results show that these pbkp_rediction methods are effective when the machine's operating point is close to the BEP.

Año de publicación:

2023

Keywords:

Fuente:

google