Analysis of Flow Characteristics in a Hydrogen Circulation Pump Featuring a Variable Radius Circular Arc
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study proposes a novel variable-radius arc rotor, developed based on the conventional arc rotor, for application in a hydrogen circulation pump. Numerical simulations are conducted to analyze and compare the flow characteristics of the optimized rotor with those of the baseline rotor. Results show that the optimized rotor increases outlet mass flow rates by over 15%; however, it has little effect on pressure pulsation, indicating limited influence on flow stability. Flow field analysis reveals that the optimized rotor promotes a more stable and streamlined internal velocity distribution, suppressing localized disturbances and vortices that are prevalent with the baseline rotor. Furthermore, assessments of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and three-dimensional vortex structures show that the optimized rotor confines high-energy zones to essential areas and facilitates controlled vortex evolution. These effects collectively lead to lower turbulence intensity, reduced energy loss, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced mechanical reliability of the pump.
Source: Machines
Authors: Jiankang Lu, Zhengdian Xu, Changdong Wan, Renrui Wang
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4414329561