Realization of small Tesla turbomachine for liquids

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K04916
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 24010:Aerospace engineering-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Okamoto Koji 東京大学, 大学院新領域創成科学研究科, 准教授 (70376507)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: テスラポンプ / マイクロポンプ / 流体粘性 / 流体工学 / ターボマシン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, theoretical, numerical, and experimental investigations were carried out for a Tesla turbo machine utilized as a pump for liquid. First, we discuss the design parameters by comparing the results of theoretical and CFD analyses, and the design guideline of the rotor was obtained. Then, a new idea of conical discs was proposed to improve the pump efficiency, and its design guideline and efficiency improvement were discussed. The results showed that this new idea is more effective when the flow rate is high in its operation.
After that, a new experimental test rig was built depending on the obtained design guideline. In this experiment, the maximum efficiency reached about 22% and 2D velocity field in the diffuser and scroll was visualized by Particle Image Velocimetry.

Free Research Field

熱流体力学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

この研究成果によって，液体用テスラポンプのロータの最適設計指針，笠形ディスク導入による効率改善，損失低減のカギを握るディフューザースクロール内部の流速場の可視化を達成した．これにより，テスラポンプの先行研究で問題となっていた，実機の効率の低さを解決するための足掛かりが得られたと言え，これらの成果は今後，より高効率なテスラポンプの実現に向けて，非常に有用であると期待できる．