Numerical analysis of pressure fluctuation characteristics of axial flow pump device of edge pump unit in multi-unit pumping station

Abstract

Asymmetric layout gate station projects are prevalent in gate station engineering. When multiple pump units operate within such projects, the inflow patterns of the pump devices at different stations exhibit significant variations. Notably, edge pump units often display adverse operating characteristics, including vibration. This study aims to elucidate the hydraulic behavior of edge pump units in asymmetric layout gate station projects using numerical simulation methods. We validate the reliability of our numerical calculations through physical model tests. Specifically, we investigate the flow pressure pulsation characteristics of the axial flow pump device within the edge pump unit under various switching schemes employed in the gate station project. The results show that pressure fluctuations in axial flow pump devices exhibit distinct time-frequency characteristics based on different flow rates. An increase in flow rate results in a sharp rise in pressure fluctuation amplitudes within the axial flow pump device of the edge pump unit. During symmetric operation, the peak pressure fluctuations of the axial flow pump device are significantly smaller than those observed during asymmetric operation. This suggests that the edge pump unit operates more stably and experiences fewer pressure fluctuations under symmetric conditions. Optimizing the operation of edge pump units ensures stability and prolongs the service life of gate station projects.