Analysis and Redesign of the Stationary Components for a Low Flow Coefficient Centrifugal Compressor Stage

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiheng Wang ◽  
Guang Xi
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Design Flow ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Meridional Plane ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Lower Stage ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Low Flow Coefficient

A low flow coefficient centrifugal compressor stage is characterized by the small relative outlet width, and is often one of the latter stages in the multistage compressor. The low flow coefficient stage is known to give lower stage efficiency in comparison with the conventional stage, which still leaves much more space to be improved with modern tools such as CFD techniques. In the paper the flow in a CO2 centrifugal compressor stage with a low design flow coefficient of 0.008 is simulated based on the 3D viscous CFD codes. The analysis shows the impeller gives a favorable performance over a wide range of low flow coefficient, but the high losses exist in the stationary components and this incurs the poor performance of the whole stage. In this case, the diffuser, the return channel and the meridional plane are redesigned. The redesigned stage has distinct improvements on the performance and the flow structure.

Flow Studies on a Centrifugal Compressor Stage With Low Solidity Diffuser Vanes

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prasad Mukkavilli ◽  
G. Rama Raju ◽  
A. Dasgupta ◽  
G. V. Ramana Murty ◽  
K. V. Jagadeshwar Chary
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Design Flow ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Vaneless Diffuser ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Setting Angle ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Flow Improvement ◽  
Stagger Angle

Diffusers are found to play a significant role in the performance of centrifugal compressors. Extensive studies have been in progress in various research laboratories for improvement of performance with various types of diffusers. One such effort for study of performance of a centrifugal compressor stage with Low Solidity Diffuser (LSD) vanes is presented in this paper. The study was conducted at a tip mach number of 0.35. An exclusive test rig was set up for carrying out these flow studies. The LSD vane is formed using standard NACA profile with marginal modification at the trailing edge region. The study encompasses the variation of setting angle of the LSD vane and the vane solidity. The effect of solidity and the setting angle on overall stage performance is evaluated in terms of flow coefficient, head coefficient and efficiency normalised with respect to these parameters for the case of vaneless diffuser at design flow. Improvement in performance as well as static pressure recovery was observed with LSD as compared to vaneless diffuser configuration. It is concluded from these studies that there is an optimum solidity and stagger angle for the given stage with LSD vanes for the chosen configuration.

Aerodynamic Design and Rig Test Validation of a High Flow Coefficient Process Centrifugal Compressor Stage

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Larosiliere ◽  
Vishal Jariwala ◽  
Kapil Panchal
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
High Flow ◽  
Design Flow ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Test Validation ◽  
Lapse Rate ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Aerodynamic Design ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Very High

Abstract Efficient and diametrically compact very high flow coefficient stages with wide operability are desirable for economic reasons in many process multistage centrifugal compressor applications. Such stages present special aerodynamic and mechanical design challenges. There is often a sizeable efficiency lapse rate as well as substantial reduction in useable operating range for traditional stages having design flow coefficients greater than 0.15 and moderate to high machine Mach numbers. This paper describes aerodynamic design and rig test validation of a very high flow coefficient (φ0 = 0.237) process centrifugal compressor stage. Some useful experience of the detailed design work required to navigate certain technical challenges and its rig test validation are reflected in the manuscript. A relatively high machine Mach number (MU ∼ 0.878) mixed-flow shrouded impeller matched with a curved radial vaneless diffuser and return channel was developed. Test results confirmed that the principal aerodynamic design intents were met or exceeded. A sensible design strategy guided by a well-anchored design method is shown to successfully extend an existing stage portfolio to very high-flow coefficients for multistage process centrifugal compressor applications.

A Method to Estimate the Performance Map of a Centrifugal Compressor Stage

2012 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Casey ◽  
Chris Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Algebraic Equations ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Performance Map ◽  
Vaneless Diffusers

A novel approach to calculate the performance map of a centrifugal compressor stage is presented. At the design point four nondimensional parameters (the flow coefficient φ, the work coefficient λ, the tip-speed Mach number M, and the efficiency η) characterize the performance. In the new method the performance of the whole map is also based on these four parameters through physically based algebraic equations which require little prior knowledge of the detailed geometry. The variable empirical coefficients in the parameterized equations can be calibrated to match the performance maps of a wide range of stage types, including turbocharger and process compressor impellers with vaned and vaneless diffusers. The examples provided show that the efficiency and the pressure ratio performance maps of turbochargers with vaneless diffusers can be predicted to within ±2% in this way. More uncertainty is present in the prediction of the surge line, as this is very variable from stage to stage. During the preliminary design the method provides a useful reference performance map based on earlier experience for comparison with objectives at different speeds and flows.

A Method to Estimate the Performance Map of a Centrifugal Compressor Stage

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Casey ◽  
Chris Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Algebraic Equations ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Performance Map ◽  
Vaneless Diffusers

A novel approach to calculate the performance map of a centrifugal compressor stage is presented. At the design point four non-dimensional parameters (the flow coefficient φ, the work coefficient λ, the tip-speed Mach number M and the efficiency η) characterize the performance. In the new method the performance of the whole map is also based on these four parameters through physically-based algebraic equations which require little prior knowledge of the detailed geometry. The variable empirical coefficients in the parameterized equations can be calibrated to match the performance maps of a wide range of stage types, including turbocharger and process compressor impellers with vaned and vaneless diffusers. The examples provided show that the efficiency and the pressure ratio performance maps of turbochargers with vaneless diffusers can be predicted to within ± 2% in this way. More uncertainty is present in the prediction of the surge line, as this is very variable from stage to stage. During the preliminary design the method provides a useful reference performance map based on earlier experience for comparison with objectives at different speeds and flows.

1D and 3D-Design Strategies for Pressure Slope Optimization of High-Flow Transonic Centrifugal Compressor Impellers

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hildebrandt ◽  
T. Ceyrowsky
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
High Flow ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Angle Distribution ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Impeller Blade ◽  
Design Point ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Transonic Centrifugal Compressor

The present paper deals with the numerical and theoretical investigations of the effect of geometrical dimensions and 1D-design parameters on the impeller pressure slope of a transonic centrifugal compressor stage for industrial process application. A database being generated during the multi-objective and multi-point design process of a high flow coefficient impeller, comprising 545 CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) designs is investigated in off-design and design conditions by means of RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes) simulation of an impeller with vaneless diffuser. For high flow coefficients of 0.16 < phi < 0.18, the CFD-setup has been validated against measurement data regarding stage and impeller performance taken from MAN test rig experimental data for a centrifugal compressor stage of similar flow coefficient. The paper aims at answering the question how classical design parameter, such as the impeller blade angle distribution, impeller suction diameter and camber line length affect the local and total relative diffusion and pressure slope towards impeller stall operation. A second order analysis of the CFD database is performed by cross-correlating the CFD data with results from impeller two-zone 1D modelling and a rapid loading calculation process by Stanitz and Prian. The statistical covariance of first order 1D-analysis parameters such as the mixing loss of the impeller secondary flow, the slip factor, impeller flow incidence is analyzed, thereby showing strong correlation with the design and off-design point efficiency and pressure slope. Finally, guide lines are derived in order to achieve either optimized design point efficiency or maximum negative pressure slope characteristics towards impeller stall operation.

Reynolds Number and Roughness Effects on Turbocompressor Performance: Numerical Calculations and Measurement Data Evaluation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Dietmann ◽  
Michael Casey ◽  
Damian M. Vogt
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Design Flow ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Roughness Effects ◽  
Flow Channels ◽  
Compressor Performance ◽  
Low Flow Coefficient

Abstract Further validation of an analytic method to calculate the influence of changes in Reynolds number, machine size and roughness on the performance of axial and radial turbocompressors is presented. The correlation uses a dissipation coefficient as a basis for scaling the losses with changes in relative roughness and Reynolds number. The original correlation from Dietmann and Casey [6] is based on experimental data and theoretical models. Evaluations of five numerically calculated compressor stages at different flow coefficients are presented to support the trends of the correlation. It is shown that the sensitivity of the compressor performance to Reynolds and roughness effects is highest for low flow coefficient radial stages and steadily decreases as the design flow coefficient of the stage and the hydraulic diameter of the flow channels increases.

Experimental Validation of a Wide-Range Centrifugal Compressor Stage for Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy C. Allison ◽  
Natalie R. Smith ◽  
Robert Pelton ◽  
Jason C. Wilkes ◽  
Sewoong Jung
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Power Cycles ◽  
Casing Treatment ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Operating Range ◽  
Wide Range

Successful implementation of sCO2 power cycles requires high compressor efficiency at both the design-point and over a wide operating range in order to maximize cycle power output and maintain stable operation over a wide range of transient and part-load operating conditions. This requirement is particularly true for air-cooled cycles where compressor inlet density is a strong function of inlet temperature that is subject to daily and seasonal variations as well as transient events. In order to meet these requirements, a novel centrifugal compressor stage design was developed that incorporates multiple novel range extension features, including a passive recirculating casing treatment and semi-open impeller design. This design, presented and analyzed for CO2 operation in a previous paper, was fabricated via direct metal laser sintering and tested in an open-loop test rig in order to validate simulation results and the effectiveness of the casing treatment configuration. Predicted performance curves in air and CO2 conditions are compared, resulting in a reduced diffuser width requirement for the air test in order to match design velocities and demonstrate the casing treatment. Test results show that the casing treatment performance generally matched computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions, demonstrating an operating range of 69% and efficiency above air predictions across the entire map. The casing treatment configuration demonstrated improvements over the solid wall configuration in stage performance and flow characteristics at low flows, resulting in an effective 14% increase in operating range with a 0.5-point efficiency penalty. The test results are also compared to a traditional fully shrouded impeller with the same flow coefficient and similar head coefficient, showing a 42% range improvement over traditional designs.

scholarly journals Numerical characteristics of a centrifugal compressor with a low flow coefficient

2019 ◽  
Vol 140 ◽  
pp. 06010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksey Yablokov ◽  
Ivan Yanin ◽  
Nikolay Sadovskyi ◽  
Yuri Kozhukhov ◽  
Minh Hai Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Ultrahigh Pressure ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Classical Type ◽  
Numerical Characteristic ◽  
Wall Cell ◽  
Low Flow Coefficient ◽  
Near Wall

The study presents the simulation results of the viscid gas flow in low flow coefficient centrifugal compressor stages. The problem is solved in a stationary formulation using the Ansys CFX software package. The numerical simulation is carried out on three ultrahigh-pressure model stages; two stages have blades of the classical type impeller and one stage is of the bodily type. The value of the conditional flow coefficient is 0.0063 to 0.015. As part of the study, block-structured design meshes are used for all gas channel elements, with their total number being equaled as 13–15 million. During the calculations a numerical characteristic was validated with the results of tests carried out at the Department of Compressor, Vacuum and Refrigeration Engineering of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. With an increase of inlet pressure as a result of a numerical study, it was found that for a given mathematical model the disk friction and leakage coefficient (1 + βfr + βlk) is overestimated. The analysis of flow in labyrinth seals has shown an increase of total temperature near the discs by 30–50 °С, nevertheless this fact did not influence gas parameters in the behind-the-rotor section. The calculation data obtained with finer design mesh (the first near-wall cell was 0.001 mm) is identical to those obtained with the first near-wall cell 0.01 mm mesh.

Effect of Reduced Inlet Space on a Medium Flow Coefficient Centrifugal Compressor Stage

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Hohlweg ◽  
Naresh Amineni
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Radius Of Curvature ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Stage Design ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Medium Flow ◽  
Multistage Compressor ◽  
Return Channel ◽  
Reduced Space

Abstract Test versus CFD predictions are presented for a medium flow coefficient, centrifugal compressor stage with 10% shorter axial stage space. Short axial length is achieved by reducing the shroud radius of curvature of the upstream return channel inlet. Situations often occur in multistage compressor applications where either rotor dynamics on new equipment or existing casing length on revamped units necessitate shorter stage space. The effect of the reduced space on various stage performance parameters is discussed referenced to the original, full length, stage design. CFD analysis for both configurations is also presented to compare with the test results and help explain the aerodynamic source of the increased losses. The complete stage is modeled on the program CFX-TASCflow beginning with a radial inlet and continuing through the impeller, diffuser and return channel.

Analytical and Test Experiences Using a Rib Diffuser in a High Flow Centrifugal Compressor Stage

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Sorokes ◽  
Jason A. Kopko
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Quantitative Agreement ◽  
High Flow ◽  
Flow Coefficient ◽  
Centrifugal Impeller ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Vaneless Diffuser ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative

The paper addresses the use of a rib style (partial height) vaned diffuser to improve the flowfield downstream of a high flow coefficient centrifugal impeller. Empirical and analytical (3-D CFD) results are presented for both the original vaneless diffuser and the replacement rib configuration. Comparisons are made between the CFD results and the data obtained through single stage rig (SSTR) testing. Comments are offered regarding the qualitative and quantitative agreement between the empirical and analytical results.

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