Pump Curve from Simulation Differs Significantly from Test Curve
 

Hello everyone,

I am currently engaged in simulating a centrifugal pump using Fluent. However, the curve derived from the simulation significantly differs from the one obtained in the experimental setup.

The boundary conditions are as follows:

Pressure inlet: 1 atm
Pressure Outlet: between 5 and 13 bar
Pump speed: 3000 rpm
I am implementing Frame Motion for the rotating part and reading the volumetric flow rate of the pump as a result.

The maximum pressure of the pump is 13 bar. Consequently, the simulation results match perfectly with the test results at 13 bar. However, as the pressure drops to 5 bar, the simulation results diverge from the test results, as depicted in the image.

My initial consideration is cavitation. Therefore, I activated the cavitation model, but it did not alter the results. Subsequently, I thought that surface roughness might influence the solution. Unfortunately, this did not yield a significant difference.

The suction height is 3 m. I also attempted a simulation with a reservoir located 3 meters below the pump, but this approach did not produce satisfactory results either.


If anyone among you has encountered a similar problem or has any ideas, I would appreciate your assistance. Thank you.

Attachment 98486