A Comparative Review of Operational and Advanced Control Strategies for Enhancing Hydraulic and Energy Efficiency in Centrifugal Pumping Systems

Ali F. Ali FADIEL — 2026-10-19

Centrifugal pumping systems are widely used in industrial processes, water-supply networks, irrigation systems, cooling circuits, wastewater facilities, and building services. Their overall performance is influenced not only by the nominal efficiency of the pump but also by the interaction between the pump and system curves, the operating point relative to the Best Efficiency Point (BEP), static and friction head, flow and pressure requirements, rotational speed, valve position, motor and drive efficiencies, demand variability, and the number of pumps in operation. This study presents a structured narrative review with a comparative analysis of operational and control strategies to improve the hydraulic and energy performance of centrifugal pumping systems. The evidence base comprised 26 publications issued between 2016 and 2026, including 12 core comparative studies. The reviewed strategies included BEP-oriented operation, discharge-valve throttling, variable-speed control, pressure and flow optimization, parallel-pump sequencing, demand-based scheduling, sensorless monitoring, online optimization, and digital-twin-based multi-objective control. The evidence was evaluated according to system configuration, hydraulic duty, static- and friction-head characteristics, demand profile, baseline control strategy, validation method, reported performance indicators, and reliability implications. Across the principal system-level studies, practical energy savings generally ranged from approximately 7.9% to 57.6%. Higher values were reported under specific comparator-dependent or theoretical conditions, including savings of up to 80% relative to outlet-valve throttling and theoretical savings approaching 70% for optimized storage-pumping operation. These values should not be interpreted as a direct ranking of the investigated strategies, as they were obtained under different system configurations, operating conditions, performance indicators, and baseline strategies. Variable-speed control generally provided the greatest benefit in variable-demand, friction-dominated systems, whereas its effectiveness was more limited in systems with a substantial static-head component. In parallel-pump stations, coordinated pump selection, sequencing, speed allocation, and switching-point optimization were found to be essential for minimizing inefficient partial-load operation. Advanced online and digital-twin-based approaches further supported adaptive and multi-objective operation by considering energy consumption together with hydraulic stability, pressure transients, equipment reliability, and service life. The review concludes that no single operational or control strategy is universally optimal. Strategy selection should therefore be based on the specific hydraulic characteristics, demand profile, baseline operating condition, technical constraints, implementation feasibility, and reliability requirements of each pumping system rather than solely on the highest reported energy-saving percentage.

Comparative CFD Analysis of SST k–ω and Spalart–Allmaras Turbulence Models for Aerodynamic Force Prediction of a Grid-Fin Missile at Mach 2.5 and 10° Angle of Attack

Prashant — 2026-09-19

The aerodynamic performance of aerospace vehicles operating in supersonic flow regimes is significantly influenced by the accurate prediction of complex flow phenomena, flow separation and turbulent boundary-layer interactions. The present study investigates the aerodynamic characteristics of the selected configuration under supersonic flow conditions at a constant angle of attack of 10°. A comparative Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis is performed using two turbulence models, namely the SST k-ω model and the Spalart-Allmaras (SA) model. The numerical simulations are carried out to evaluate the influence of turbulence-model selection on the prediction of the aerodynamic flow field and force characteristics at 2.5 Mach number. Particular emphasis is given to the axial force coefficient and normal force coefficient, which are important parameters for assessing the aerodynamic performance and stability of high-speed vehicles. The computational results obtained using both turbulence models are compared through aerodynamic performance plots to identify variations in force prediction across the investigated Mach number range. The analysis demonstrates the capability of both turbulence models to capture the essential characteristics of supersonic flow. However, differences in the predicted aerodynamic coefficients are observed due to variations in their turbulence-modelling approaches and their ability to represent shock-boundary-layer interactions. The SST k–ω model provides enhanced capability in resolving near-wall flow and adverse pressure-gradient effects, whereas the Spalart–Allmaras model offers a computationally efficient approach for aerodynamic simulations. The comparative results provide valuable insight into the suitability of these turbulence models for the prediction of aerodynamic forces under supersonic flight conditions. The findings of this study can contribute to the selection of appropriate turbulence models for the aerodynamic design and numerical analysis of high-speed aerospace configurations.

Journal of Fluid Mechanics and Mechanical Design

A Comparative Review of Operational and Advanced Control Strategies for Enhancing Hydraulic and Energy Efficiency in Centrifugal Pumping Systems

Comparative CFD Analysis of SST k–ω and Spalart–Allmaras Turbulence Models for Aerodynamic Force Prediction of a Grid-Fin Missile at Mach 2.5 and 10° Angle of Attack