Guan'gai paishui xuebao (May 2024)
A rapid method for determining the parameters of the spring within the pressure regulator in irrigation system using adaptive meshing technology
Abstract
【Background and Objective】 Pressure regulators (PR) are an indispensable component in irrigation systems, particularly in large-scale hilly terrain, ensuring precise water distribution and system efficiency. The performance of PRs heavily relies on the parameters of their internal springs, yet their design requires refinement. This paper aims to propose an efficient and accurate method for rapid design of the pressure regulator springs. 【Method】 The method was based on CFD by using an adaptive mesh technology to construct a model for solving for the spring parameters. We developed a model to determine the spring parameters, by using the PR with a cup-shaped moving part as the case study. We established a comprehensive spring parameter design process and devised a rapid design method based on the force balance principles and Hooke's law. In the numerical model, the outlet pressure was meticulously set to meet specific preset pressure specifications, ensuring design precision. Various inlet boundaries were designed to control the regulating range and ensure stable pressure regulation. Additionally, convergence conditions were established to guarantee that applicable flow rates met design requirements. By configuring appropriate boundary and convergence conditions, our method facilitates efficient spring parameter configuration and achieves multi-objective optimization. 【Result】 ①The absolute error of the design outcomes was less than 2%. ② For a fixed-structure PR, the preload of the configured spring exhibited a positive correlation with the design preset pressure value. However, the relationship between spring stiffness and precompression length with the preset design pressure value was more complicated. When the design PR preset pressure was determined, the preload force of the spring was inversely linearly correlated to the pressure-adjusting cross-sectional height and the water pressure area upstream of the moving part, and was linearly correlated to the water pressure area downstream of the moving part. The interaction effect of PR structural parameters on spring preload force was not significant, but there was a notable interaction effect on spring stiffness and compression length. 【Conclusion】 The proposed method can circumvent the issues associated with the traditional pressure regulator design and can thus be used as an improved method for PR spring design.
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