Structuring the Surfaces of an Impeller as a Method to Increase the Efficiency of a Centrifugal Pump
摘要
Pumps, as energy-consuming machines, account for approximately 14% of global energy consumption. For this reason, it is crucial to design such machines to achieve the highest possible efficiency. One innovative method for reducing friction losses caused by rotating discs involves applying special cavities (called dimples by the authors later in the article) on the external surfaces of the rotor. This solution, which has been submitted for patent protection, utilizes the same physical principles as the dimples on a golf ball. The article presents the results of preliminary research aimed at verifying this solution and determining reasonable ranges for the variability of the geometric parameters of the dimples. The primary research method involves experimental studies. The impellers are manufactured using additive methods with enhanced precision. The research results, in the form of energy curves for various indentation parameter configurations, are compared with the curves of a reference impeller without dimples. Based on the conducted research and analysis of the results, appropriate conclusions have been formulated.