Design of compressor impeller under high Reynolds number conditions

Purpose A parametric method for designing the hub, casing and blades of the miniature centrifugal compressor impeller was developed. The relationship model of the size, aerodynamic and performance parameters of the centrifugal impeller was established. Based on the selected design parameters, the miniature centrifugal-type impeller was designed, and the work efficiency was calculated. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a micro-centrifugal compressor impeller with a diameter of less than 25 mm was designed. A parametric design method was developed, and the functional relationship between the geometric and gas fluidity parameters was established. Findings The results of this study showed that the performance parameters of the designed micro-centrifugal impeller satisfied the design requirements. The proposed method is useful as a reference for designing and analysing compressor impellers under high Reynolds number conditions. Originality/value A parametric design method was developed, and the functional relationship between the geometric and gas fluidity parameters was established. Under the Reynolds number conditions, the flow characteristics of the gas in the compressor were analysed; the shear-stress transport turbulence equation was solved using the finite volume method. In addition, the effects of the Reynolds number on the velocity, pressure, mass flow and efficiency of the micro-scale centrifugal compressor were evaluated. The results showed that the performance parameters of the designed micro-centrifugal impeller satisfied the design requirements. The proposed method is useful as a reference for designing and analysing compressor impellers under high Reynolds number conditions.