Entropy Generation Maps of a Low-Specific Speed Radial Compressor Rotor
Abstract The flow field in the rotor of a low-specific speed radial compressor is computed in a fully 3-D simulation and the irreversible entropy generation rates directly calculated from the local velocity- and temperature values. The code used for the simulation is a commercial CFD-finite volumes package, FLUENT™, augmented by an novel entropy generation routine adapted from the original formulation due to Bejan [1]. The model provides the designer with exact and detailed knowledge of the local values of the irreversibility production, allowing for a separate accounting of viscous- and thermal effects and thus resulting in a valuable tool for the search of design improvements. These local entropy generation rates can of course be integrated over the entire flow field to obtain the global irreversibility production, directly linked with the rotor efficiency: but more important is the possibility of obtaining an exact “mapping” of these local values in some particularly “critical” design areas (leading edge of the blade at the inlet, first portion of the channel on the pressure side, last portion of the channel on the suction side, rotor exit). By direct comparison of repeated simulations, the designer can then easily assess the relative performance of different blade arrangements and rotor configurations. In particular, it is possible to compute, via a direct application of the Gouy-Stodola lost work formula, the isentropic efficiency of the rotor. The possibility is discussed of developing a “configuration optimisation procedure” based on the systematic, iterative and automatic application of this type of analysis.