scholarly journals Comparative Study of Unsteady Flows in a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor With Vaneless and Vaned Diffusers

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Cui
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Power Laws ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Local Flow ◽  
Transonic Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Compressor Performance ◽  
Overall Performance

To reduce vibration and noise level, the impeller and diffuser blade numbers inside an industrial compressor are typically chosen without common divisors. The shapes of volutes or collectors in these compressors are also not axis-symmetric. When impeller blades pass these asymmetric structures, the flow field in the compressor is time-dependent and three-dimensional. To obtain a fundamental physical understanding of these three-dimensional unsteady flow fields and assess their impact on the compressor performance, the flow field inside the compressors needs to be studied as a whole to include asymmetric and unsteady interaction between the compressor components. In current study, a unified three-dimensional numerical model was built for a transonic centrifugal compressor including impeller, diffusers, and volute. HFC 134a was used as the working fluid. The thermodynamic and transport properties of the refrigerant gas were modeled by the Martin-Hou equation of state and power laws, respectively. The three-dimensional unsteady flow field was simulated with a Navier-Stokes solver using the k-ε turbulent model. The overall performance parameters are obtained by integrating the field quantities. Both unsteady flow field and overall performance are analyzed comparatively for each component. The compressor was tested in a water chiller system instrumented to obtain both overall performance data and local flow field quantities. The experimental and numerical results agree well. The correlation between the overall compressor performance and local flow field quantities is defined. The methodology developed and data obtained in these studies can be applied to centrifugal compressor design and optimization.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Unsteady Flows in a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor with Vaneless and Vaned Diffusers

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Cui
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Power Laws ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Local Flow ◽  
Transonic Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Compressor Performance ◽  
Overall Performance

To reduce vibration and noise level, the impeller and diffuser blade numbers inside an industrial compressor are typically chosen without common divisors. The shapes of volutes or collectors in these compressors are also not axis-symmetric. When impeller blades pass these asymmetric structures, the flow field in the compressor is time-dependent and three-dimensional. To obtain a fundamental physical understanding of these three-dimensional unsteady flow fields and assess their impact on the compressor performance, the flow field inside the compressors needs to be studied as a whole to include asymmetric and unsteady interaction between the compressor components. In the current study, a unified three-dimensional numerical model was built for a transonic centrifugal compressor including impeller, diffusers, and volute. HFC 134a was used as the working fluid. The thermodynamic and transport properties of the refrigerant gas were modeled by the Martin-Hou equation of state and power laws, respectively. The three-dimensional unsteady flow field was simulated with a Navier-Stokes solver using thek−εturbulent model. The overall performance parameters are obtained by integrating the field quantities. Both the unsteady flow field and the overall performance are analyzed comparatively for each component. The compressor was tested in a water chiller system instrumented to obtain both the overall performance data and local flow-field quantities. The experimental and numerical results agree well. The correlation between the overall compressor performance and local flow-field quantities is defined. The methodology developed and data obtained in these studies can be applied to the centrifugal compressor design and optimization.

Comparative Study of Vaneless and Vaned Diffusers in a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor With Real Gas

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Cui
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Power Laws ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Local Flow ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Transonic Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
The Impact

Vaneless and vaned diffusers in a transonic centrifugal compressor with the refrigerant HFC-134a were studied experimentally and numerically. The compressor was tested on a closed-loop stand instrumented to obtain both overall performance data and local flow field quantities. In numerical studies, the thermodynamic and transport properties of the refrigerant gas were modeled by the Martin-Hou equation of state and power laws, respectively. To include the interaction of the compressor components in these analyses, a unified three-dimensional numerical model was built for the complete compressor stage. The flow field was calculated with a Navier-Stokes solver using the k-ε turbulent model. The impact of the different diffusers on both local flow field and overall performance is analyzed comparatively for each component. The experimental and numerical results agree well. The correlation between the overall compressor performance and local flow field quantities is defined. The methodology developed and data obtained in these studies can be applied to centrifugal compressor design and optimization.

Effect of Suction Elbow and Inlet Guide Vanes on Flow Field in a Centrifugal Compressor Stage

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Cui
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Power Laws ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Guide Vanes ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Inlet Guide Vanes ◽  
Compressor Design ◽  
Overall Performance

Suction elbows and inlet guide vanes (IGVs) are typical upstream components in front of first-stage impellers in centrifugal compressors. The three-dimensional distortion induced by elbows and IGVs affects the flow field behind the IGV housing. Since the flow field in front of the impeller is subsonic, the flow motion induced by the rotating impeller will interact with the elbow and IGVs as well. The flow field resulting from these interactions is three-dimensional. The nature of this flow field defines design requirements of upstream components and impact overall performance of the compressor. To understand the mechanism controlling the interactions of up-steam components and optimize the compressor design for better efficiency and reliability, a numerical simulation of the flow field inside the entire first stage of the compressor was conducted. The stage studied includes suction elbow, IGV housing with vanes, and first-stage impeller. HFC 134a was used as the working fluid. The thermodynamic and transport properties of the refrigerant gas were modeled by the Martin-Hou equation of state and power laws respectively. The three-dimensional flow field was simulated with a Navier-Stokes solver using the k-ε turbulence model. The overall performance parameters are obtained by integrating the field quantities. The force, torque, and arm of moment acting on the IGVs were then calculated. The results can be used to improve centrifugal compressor design to achieve higher efficiency and improve reliability. The methodology developed in the current study can be applied to centrifugal compressor design and optimization.

Unsteady Flow Around Suction Elbow and Inlet Guide Vanes in a Centrifugal Compressor

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Cui
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Power Laws ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Inlet Guide Vane ◽  
Guide Vanes ◽  
Inlet Guide Vanes ◽  
Compressor Design

A suction elbow and inlet guide vanes (IGVs) are typical upstream components in the front of the first-stage impeller in a centrifugal compressor. Since the flow field in the front of the impeller is subsonic, the flow motion induced by the rotating impeller interacts with the elbow and IGVs. These interactions induce turbulent unsteady flows inside compressors. The resulted unsteadiness affects efficiency, vibration, and noise generation of the compressor. To understand the mechanism controlling the interactions between up-steam components and to optimize the compressor design for better efficiency and reliability, the turbulent unsteady flow inside the first-stage of the compressor was simulated. The model includes the suction elbow, inlet guide vane housing, and first-stage impeller. HFC 134a was used as the working fluid. The thermodynamic and transport properties of the refrigerant gas were modeled by the Martin-Hou equation of state and power laws, respectively. The three-dimensional unsteady flow field was numerically simulated. The overall performance parameters were obtained by integrating the field quantities. The force, torque, and the arm of moments acting on the IGVs are then calculated. The results can be used to improve centrifugal compressor design to achieve higher efficiency and improve reliability.

Performance Characteristics of Two- and Three-Dimensional Impellers in Centrifugal Compressors

1988 ◽  
Vol 110 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Harada
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Test Stand ◽  
Performance Characteristics ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Angle Distribution ◽  
Blade Angle ◽  
Operating Range ◽  
Overall Performance

The overall performance of two- and three-dimensional impellers of a centrifugal compressor were tested and compared. A closed-loop test stand with Freon gas as the working fluid was employed for the experiments. The inlet and outlet velocity distributions of all impellers were measured using three-hole cobra probes. As a result, it has been revealed that three-dimensional impeller in terms of efficiency, head coefficient, and operating range. Further, it has also been clarified that the impeller slip factor is affected by blade angle distribution.

Unsteady Effects of Blade Row Interaction on Flow Field and Aerodynamic Performance of a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor Impeller

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazutoyo Yamada ◽  
Kosuke Kubo ◽  
Kenichiro Iwakiri ◽  
Yoshihiro Ishikawa ◽  
Hirotaka Higashimori
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Tip Leakage ◽  
Transonic Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Compressor Performance ◽  
Unsteady Effects ◽  
Rans Analysis

Abstract This paper discusses the unsteady effects associated with the impeller/diffuser interaction on the internal flow field and aerodynamic performance of a centrifugal compressor. In centrifugal compressors with a vaned diffuser, the flow field is inherently unsteady due to the influence of interaction between the impeller and the diffuser, and the unsteadiness of the flow field can often have a great influence on the aerodynamic performance of the compressor. Especially in high-load compressors, it is considered that large unsteady effects are produced on the compressor performance with a strong flow unsteadiness. The unsteady effect on aerodynamic performance of the compressor has not been fully revealed yet, and sometimes the steady-state RANS simulation finds it difficult to predict the compressor performance. In this study, numerical simulations have been conducted for a transonic centrifugal compressor with a vaned diffuser. The unsteady effects were clarified by comparing the numerical results between a single-passage steady-state RANS analysis and a full-annulus unsteady RANS analysis. The comparison of simulation results showed the difference in entropy generation in the impeller. The impingement of diffuser shock wave with the impeller pressure surface brought about a cyclic increase in the blade loading near the impeller trailing edge. Accordingly, with increasing tip leakage flow rate, a second tip leakage vortex was newly generated in the aft part of the impeller, which resulted in additional unsteady loss generation inside the impeller.

scholarly journals Performance Characteristics of Two- and Three-Dimensional Impellers in Centrifugal Compressors

1986 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Harada
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Performance Characteristics ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Angle Distribution ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Blade Angle ◽  
Operating Range ◽  
Overall Performance

The overall performance of two- and three-dimensional impellers of a centrifugal compressor were tested and compared. A closed loop test stand with Freon gas as working fluid was employed for the experiments. The inlet and outlet velocity distribtions of all impellers were measured using three hole cobra probes. As a result, it has been revealed that three-dimensional impellers are superior to two-dimensional one in terms of efficiency, head coefficient and operating range. Further, it has also been clarified that the impeller slip factor is affected by blade angle distribution.

Investigation of Unsteady Flow Field in a Vaned Diffuser of a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor

2006 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 686-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seiichi Ibaraki ◽  
Tetsuya Matsuo ◽  
Takao Yokoyama
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Flow Measurements ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Inlet Conditions

Transonic centrifugal compressors are used with high-load turbochargers and turboshaft engines. These compressors usually have a vaned diffuser to increase the efficiency and the pressure ratio. To improve the performance of such a centrifugal compressor, it is required to optimize not only the impeller but also the diffuser. However the flow field of the diffuser is quite complex and unsteady because of the impeller located upstream. Although some research on vaned diffusers has been published, the diffuser flow is strongly dependent on the particular impeller exit flow, and some of the flow physics remain to be elucidated. In the research reported here, detailed flow measurements within a vaned diffuser were conducted using a particle image velocimetery (PIV). The vaned diffuser was designed with high subsonic inlet conditions marked by an inlet Mach number of 0.95 for the transonic compressor. As a result, a complex three-dimensional flow with distortion between the shroud and the hub was observed. Also, unsteady flow accompanying the inflow of the impeller wake was confirmed. Steady computational flow analysis was performed and compared with the experimental results.

PIV Investigation of a High Speed Centrifugal Compressor Diffuser: Spanwise and Loading Variations

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beni Cukurel ◽  
Patrick B. Lawless ◽  
Sanford Fleeter
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Operation Conditions ◽  
Diffuser Flow ◽  
Transonic Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Flow Features

An efficient diffuser is essential to a modern compressor stage, due to its significance in stage performance, durability and operability. To address the need for data that describe the complex, unsteady flow field in a vaned diffuser, Particle Image Velocity is utilized to characterize the spanwise and circumferential variations of the flow features in the vaned diffuser passage of a transonic centrifugal compressor. The spanwise variation in the diffuser flow field is further investigated by comparison of 3 different operating conditions representative of low, nominal and high loading. These data demonstrate that not only the diffuser flow field is highly dependent on the operation conditions, e.g. hub-to-shroud variation increases with loading, but also the circumferential periodicity, created by the highly three dimensional impeller discharge flow, generates a larger unsteadiness towards the hub region of the vaned diffuser.

Prediction of Centrifugal Compressor Performance From Choke Through Stall With a Physical Throttle

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaocheng Zhu ◽  
Kai Jia ◽  
Zhaohui Du
Keyword(s):  
Unsteady Flow ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Internal Flow ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Vaneless Diffuser ◽  
Flow Physics ◽  
Flow Simulations ◽  
Performance Curves ◽  
Compressor Performance

Numerical simulation results of the internal flow field of a centrifugal compressor with vaneless diffuser are presented by solving three-dimensional Reynolds averaged compressible NS equations using CFD software CFX. A physical throttle added at the downstream of the volute has been successful in stabilizing the flow at all flow rates. Ambient conditions are held fixed at both the inlet and exit of the domain. Numerical results of an investigation in which the predicted aerodynamic performance of the centrifugal compressor with vaneless diffuser is compared with the measured experimental data over the entire design speedline from choke through stall are presented. Performance curves of different components are also presented. A physical throttle approach for the prediction of the unsteady flow physics that lead to stall is proposed and a series of unsteady-flow simulations are used to illustrate the instability flow physics in the impeller, the vaneless diffuser and the volute.

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