Simulation model for centrifugal pump in flow networks based on internal characteristics

For the simulation of centrifugal pump in flow network system, in general three approaches can be used, the fitting model, the numerical method and the internal characteristics model. The fitting model is simple and rapid thus widely used. The numerical method can provide more detailed information in comparison with the fitting model, but increases implementation complexity and computational cost. In real-time simulations of flow networks, to simulate the condition out of the rated condition, especially for the volume flow rate, which the accuracy of fitting model is incredible, a new method for simulating centrifugal pumps was proposed in this research. The method based on the theory head and hydraulic loss in centrifugal pumps, and cavitation is also to be considered. The simulation results are verified with experimental benchmark data from an actual pump. The comparison confirms that the proposed method could fit the flow-head curves well, and the responses of main parameters in dynamic-state operations are consistent with theoretical analyses.