Small Turbomachinery Compressor and Fan Aerodynamics

1973 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Pampreen

This paper discusses aerodynamic considerations in the design of small turbomachinery axial and centrifugal compressors and fans. Test results are presented to show the effect of scaling on compressor performance. Correlations are presented which relate compressor efficiency to Reynolds Number and clearance. It is shown that clearance effects are more prominent when scaling designs, and Reynolds Number effects are more prominent as density is lowered.

Author(s):  
Hua Chen

Abstract Performance of small turbocharger compressors is greatly affected by their size and size related Reynolds number. Although the effect of Reynolds number on compressors’ efficiency is well known, the effects of Reynolds number have on other performance and design parameters of these compressors are little recognized in open literature. This paper reports the effects of Reynolds number and size on peak efficiency and surge flow of turbocharger compressors, studies the influences of Reynolds number on optimum compressor blade count. Test results show that when a compressor is scaled up (Reynolds number increases), its stability is generally reduced, and vice versa when scaled down. How this feature can be utilised in compressor design is discussed, and an example is given to show how compressor efficiency and flow range may be improved when scaling down by employing a more stable vaneless diffuser and reducing impeller blade number. Finally, the effect of Reynolds number on blade number selection for different sizes of a compressor is studied through CFD and test, and based on these experiences and the theory of flow on flat plate, a design guide line is proposed for the optimum blade numbers in compressor scaling for both impellers with and without splitter.


Author(s):  
Daniel E. Caguiat

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) Gas Turbine Emerging Technologies Code 9334 was tasked by NSWCCD Shipboard Energy Office Code 859 to research and evaluate fouling resistant compressor coatings for Rolls Royce Allison 501-K Series gas turbines. The objective of these tests was to investigate the feasibility of reducing the rate of compressor fouling degradation and associated rate of specific fuel consumption (SFC) increase through the application of anti-fouling coatings. Code 9334 conducted a market investigation and selected coatings that best fit the test objective. The coatings selected were Sermalon for compressor stages 1 and 2 and Sermaflow S4000 for the remaining 12 compressor stages. Both coatings are manufactured by Sermatech International, are intended to substantially decrease blade surface roughness, have inert top layers, and contain an anti-corrosive aluminum-ceramic base coat. Sermalon contains a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) topcoat, a substance similar to Teflon, for added fouling resistance. Tests were conducted at the Philadelphia Land Based Engineering Site (LBES). Testing was first performed on the existing LBES 501-K17 gas turbine, which had a non-coated compressor. The compressor was then replaced by a coated compressor and the test was repeated. The test plan consisted of injecting a known amount of salt solution into the gas turbine inlet while gathering compressor performance degradation and fuel economy data for 0, 500, 1000, and 1250 KW generator load levels. This method facilitated a direct comparison of compressor degradation trends for the coated and non-coated compressors operating with the same turbine section, thereby reducing the number of variables involved. The collected data for turbine inlet, temperature, compressor efficiency, and fuel consumption were plotted as a percentage of the baseline conditions for each compressor. The results of each plot show a decrease in the rates of compressor degradation and SFC increase for the coated compressor compared to the non-coated compressor. Overall test results show that it is feasible to utilize anti-fouling compressor coatings to reduce the rate of specific fuel consumption increase associated with compressor performance degradation.


1979 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. Wiesner

This paper summarizes the results of an investigation into the effects of Reynolds number on the performance of centrifugal compressor stages, using a computer program for the detailed prediction of component and overall performance characteristics. This investigation included wide variation of stage geometries, speeds, and fluid conditions, resulting in diffuser inlet absolute Reynolds number variations over the range from 5 × 102 to 5 × 108. The computer results indicate that variations in Reynolds number and in relative roughness will produce variations in all significant performance parameters: the flow coefficient, the work coefficient, and the efficiency. Correlations of these results with various sources of test data on single and multistage centrifugal compressors produce very satisfactory comparisons. As a result of this study, improved empirical methods are recommended for making practical adjustments of compressor performance with variation in Reynolds number. These recommendations should be taken into account in the modernization of all centrifugal compressor performance test codes such as those formulated by ASME and ISO.


1968 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Wassell

The influence of variations in flow Reynolds number on the performance of axial compressors has been studied (changes in Reynolds number being, for the most part, achieved by changes in the inlet total pressure at or near the design speed). The measured results, so achieved, have been correlated to show how the main compressor performance parameters vary with Reynolds number. Reference has been made to cascade data to assist in choosing the form of the correlation, which is essentially empirical. A good correlation of the measured performance changes on component tests has been obtained. The method described, therefore, appears to be satisfactory for predicting trends for project assessments and avoids considering the detailed flow changes that occur within the machine as the Reynolds number is varied.


Author(s):  
Xiaoshi Zhang

Abstract The influence of Reynolds number on performance of a highly loaded 10-stage axial compressor has been experimentally investigated. The experiment was performed by applying different inlet Reynolds numbers at several operating speeds. Reynolds number variation was achieved by throttling the inlet pressure. Both compressor total aerodynamic characteristics and detailed single stage performance were measured and analyzed. Test results show that all the compressor performance parameters including efficiency, mass flow and pressure ratio are reduced by decreasing Reynolds number. And the influence is higher at lower operating speed. Regarding to single stage characteristics, stage matching is less affected by Reynolds number at design speed, while all single stage chics are changed at low speed. The correlation between Reynolds number and compressor performance was obtained. Then the Wassell semi-empirical correlation method was applied to predict the Reynolds number influences for the same compressor. Comparison was made between experimental results and calculating results based on Wassell correlation. Results indicate that Wassell correlation is reliable for predicting trends. Wassell correlation works well for efficiency at design speed, but providing calculating inaccuracy at low speed. For mass flow correlation, Wassell correlation overestimated the influence of Reynolds number. Test results from this compressor are added to Wassell correlation curve, that provide reference for modern design application.


2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (3) ◽  
pp. 482-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel E. Caguiat

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) Gas Turbine Emerging Technologies Code 9334 was tasked by NSWCCD Shipboard Energy Office Code 859 to research and evaluate fouling resistant compressor coatings for Rolls Royce Allison 501-K Series gas turbines. The objective of these tests was to investigate the feasibility of reducing the rate of compressor fouling degradation and associated rate of specific fuel consumption (SFC) increase through the application of anti-fouling coatings. Code 9334 conducted a market investigation and selected coatings that best fit the test objective. The coatings selected were Sermalon for compressor stages 1 and 2 and Sermaflow S4000 for the inlet guide vanes and remaining 12 compressor stages. Both coatings are manufactured by Sermatech International, are intended to substantially decrease blade surface roughness, have inert top layers, and contain an anti-corrosive aluminum-ceramic base coat. Sermalon contains a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) topcoat, a substance similar to Teflon, for added fouling resistance. Tests were conducted at the Philadelphia Land Based Engineering Site (LBES). Testing was first performed on the existing LBES 501-K17 gas turbine, which had an uncoated compressor. The compressor was then replaced by a coated compressor and the test was repeated. The test plan consisted of injecting a known amount of salt solution into the gas turbine inlet while gathering compressor performance degradation and fuel economy data for 0, 500, 1000, and 1250 KW generator load levels. This method facilitated a direct comparison of compressor degradation trends for the coated and uncoated compressors operating with the same turbine section, thereby reducing the number of variables involved. The collected data for turbine inlet, temperature, compressor efficiency, and fuel consumption were plotted as a percentage of the baseline conditions for each compressor. The results of each plot show a decrease in the rates of compressor degradation and SFC increase for the coated compressor compared to the uncoated compressor. Overall test results show that it is feasible to utilize antifouling compressor coatings to reduce the rate of specific fuel consumption increase associated with compressor performance degradation.


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