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Study on the impact of volute geometric modification on the performance of centrifugal pump as turbine

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  • Saremian, Salman
  • Shojaeefard, Mohammad Hassan

Abstract

The centrifugal pump as turbine (PAT) has gained significant popularity in micro hydropower plants (MHP) for producing green energy due to its economical cost and ease of maintenance. This study numerically and experimentally investigates PAT performance under the operating conditions governing the water distribution network (WDN), and the numerical solution has been validated. The results indicate that efficiency significantly decreases under off-design conditions. To improve the PAT performance, the effect of modifying volute parameters, including cross-section shape, diffuser shape, cutwater, and design diameter, was numerically investigated. Optimal parameters are determined by considering the range of changes in the working conditions of the pressure-reducing station (PRS). Finally, a special volute was designed and analyzed by simultaneously modifying these parameters. The results demonstrate a reduction in turbulence intensity and velocity gradients within the PAT, leading to more stabilized flow fields. Consequently, the PAT's overall performance is improved throughout the operating range. The peak efficiency improvement is in the discharge rate of 55L/s, which is 6.78 % higher than the original volute. Stress analyses of the volute were performed to investigate its strength against the applied pressures under PRS operating conditions, and no signs of yield or failure were observed up to 10 bar.

Suggested Citation

  • Saremian, Salman & Shojaeefard, Mohammad Hassan, 2025. "Study on the impact of volute geometric modification on the performance of centrifugal pump as turbine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:253:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125012947
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123632
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