Simulation Of Cavitating Flow In Circulating Water Pumps In A Power Generation Industry

Lee, Jia Chang (2008) Simulation Of Cavitating Flow In Circulating Water Pumps In A Power Generation Industry. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

This thesis presents a study in simulating impeller in relation with the cavitating flow in circulating water pumps in a power generation industry by using ANSYS CFX. This study mainly focuses on the concept of cavitations in pump, pump performance curve, system pump curve, and net positive suction head (NPSH). The ultimate goal of this project is to determine the best operating pump range. It is interesting to examine the system pump curve prediction to identify the inception cavitation zone. Basically the major problem in cavitation can be avoided by providing higher net positive suction head requirement. However, there are still a lot of issues in designing a water pumps. Therefore, a theoretical system pump curve was generated using Microsoft Excel 2007. In addition, Catia V5 and ANSYS CFX were applied to create computational fluid dynamic model. From simulation results, a decrease of NPSHa values produces the onset of cavitations. The major findings of this thesis present the theoretical and numerical results concerning the pump characteristics and performance breakdown at different flow conditions and the theoretical pump curve at fluctuating sea water were compared, and therefore the best operating pump range is identified between a flow rate of 12,430 m3/hr and 14,470 m3/hr to avoid the occurrence of cavitation in pump. As a result, Independent Power Producer (IPP) can always control their pump at best efficiency point and retain operating pump at a good condition.

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