scholarly journals Effects of Radial Gap Ratio between Impeller and Vaned Diffuser on Performance of Centrifugal Compressors

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammadjavad Hosseini ◽  
Zhenzhong Sun ◽  
Xiao He ◽  
Xinqian Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressors ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Gap Ratio ◽  
Radial Gap

Criteria for the Stability Limit Prediction of High Speed Centrifugal Compressors With Vaneless Diffuser: Part I — Flow Structure Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Cravero ◽  
Davide Marsano
Keyword(s):  
Rotational Speed ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Stability Limit ◽  
Vaneless Diffuser ◽  
Centrifugal Compressors ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
High Rotational Speed ◽  
Lower Accuracy ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Computational Resources

Abstract High-speed centrifugal compressor requirements include a wide operating range between choking and stall especially for turbocharging applications. The prediction of the stability limit at different speeds is still challenging. In literature, several studies have been published on the phenomena that trigger the compressor instability. However, a comprehensive analysis of criteria that can be used in the first steps of centrifugal compressors design to predict the stability limit is still missing. In previous work the authors have already presented a criterion, so called “Stability Parameter”, to predict the surge line of centrifugal compressors based on a simplified CFD approach that does not require excessive computational resources and that can be efficiently used in the preliminary design phases. The above methodology has demonstrated its accuracy for centrifugal compressors with vaned diffuser, but a lower accuracy has been detected for vaneless diffusers. Before proceeding to identify additional criteria focused on compressors with vaneless diffuser, an in-depth fluid dynamics analysis has been necessary. This analysis has been also carried out through fully 3D unsteady simulations to allow identifying the real phenomena linked to the trigger of the instability of centrifugal compressors. It has been found how these phenomena are strongly related to the rotational speed, in particular have been shown the key role of the volute at high rotational speed.

scholarly journals Surge Margin Optimization of Centrifugal Compressors Using a New Objective Function Based on Local Flow Parameters

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Johannes Ratz ◽  
Sebastian Leichtfuß ◽  
Maximilian Beck ◽  
Heinz-Peter Schiffer ◽  
Friedrich Fröhlig
Keyword(s):  
Objective Function ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Computational Effort ◽  
Angle Distribution ◽  
Centrifugal Compressors ◽  
Local Flow ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Flow Parameters ◽  
Surge Margin ◽  
Beta Angle

Currently, 3D-CFD design optimization of centrifugal compressors in terms of the surge margin is one major unresolved issue. On that account, this paper introduces a new kind of objective function. The objective function is based on local flow parameters present at the design point of the centrifugal compressor. A centrifugal compressor with a vaned diffuser is considered to demonstrate the performance of this approach. By means of a variation of the beta angle distribution of the impeller and diffuser blade, 73 design variations are generated, and several local flow parameters are evaluated. Finally, the most promising flow parameter is transferred into an objective function, and an optimization is carried out. It is shown that the new approach delivers similar results as a comparable optimization with a classic objective function using two operating points for surge margin estimation, but with less computational effort since no second operating point near the surge needs to be considered.

A Study on Impeller-Diffuser Interaction: Part II — Detailed Flow Analysis

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai U. Ziegler ◽  
Heinz E. Gallus ◽  
Reinhard Niehuis
Keyword(s):  
Strong Influence ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Pressure Side ◽  
Wake Region ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Flow Configuration ◽  
Noticeable Reduction ◽  
Radial Gap ◽  
Vane Angle ◽  
Highly Loaded

The interaction between impeller and diffuser is considered to have strong influence on the flow in highly loaded centrifugal compressors. However, the knowledge about this influence is still not satisfying. This two-part paper presents an experimental investigation of the effect of impeller-diffuser interaction on the unsteady and the time averaged flow configuration in impeller and diffuser and the performance of these components. The flat wedge vaned diffuser of the investigated stage allows an independent adjustment of diffuser vane angle and radial gap between impeller exit and diffuser vane inlet. Attention is mainly directed to the radial gap, as it determines the intensity of the impeller-diffuser interaction. In part I it was shown that smaller radial gaps improve diffuser pressure recovery, whereas impeller efficiency is hardly affected. Part II focuses on the reasons for these effects. Measurements with a laser-2-focus velocimeter in the highly unsteady flow field between the impeller exit region and diffuser throat were performed at three different diffuser geometries allowing a detailed flow analysis. Especially the unsteady results show that for a smaller radial gap more impeller wake fluid is conveyed towards the highly loaded diffuser vane pressure side reducing its loading and leading to a better diffusion in the diffuser channel. Concerning the impeller flow, it was found that a smaller radial gap is leading to a noticeable reduction of the wake region at impeller exit. The experimental results are intended to be published as an open CFD testcase under the name “Radiver”.

A Numerical Study on Performances of Centrifugal Compressor Stages With Different Radial Gaps

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sato ◽  
L. He
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Centrifugal Impeller ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Navier Stokes Equations ◽  
Performance Predictions ◽  
Radial Gap

A numerical study of 3D unsteady flows in centrifugal compressor stages solving the Navier-Stokes equations is presented. The emphasis is on the effect of the radial gap between blade rows on the aerodynamic performance. In the numerical tests, Krain’s centrifugal impeller was combined with a DCA (Double Circular Arc) type radial vaned diffuser. The compressor stages with three settings of radial gap ranging from 5 to 15 percent of the impeller trailing edge radius are configured and unsteady flow simulations are carried out to compare the time-averaged efficiencies. The performance predictions show that the efficiency is deteriorated if the radial gap between blade rows is reduced with intensified blade row interaction, which is in contradiction to the general trend for axial compressor stages. In the centrifugal compressors tested, wake chopping by diffuser vanes, which usually benefits efficiency in axial compressor stages, causes unfavourable wake compression through the diffuser passages to deteriorate the efficiency.

Pressure Recovery in Low Solidity Vaned Diffusers for Centrifugal Compressors

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naresh K. Amineni ◽  
Abraham Engeda
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Pressure Recovery ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Centrifugal Compressors ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Direct Bearing ◽  
Pressure Recovery Phenomenon

In the present investigation four low solidity vaned diffusers were experimentally tested downstream of the same impeller in an attempt to study the effect of solidity and vane number on the performance of the stage. In addition to these low solidity vaned diffusers, one vaneless and a conventional vaned diffuser were also tested for comparative study of the pressure recovery phenomenon in each of the three types of diffusers. It was found that the vane number and the solidity of the diffuser had direct bearing on the performance parameters of the compressor stage. The results also showed that the pressure recovery characteristics of the low solidity vaned diffusers was simillar to the conventional vaned diffuser.

The Use of Cascade Technology in Centrifugal Compressor Vaned Diffuser Design

1972 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Pampreen
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Centrifugal Compressors ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Circular Arc ◽  
Performance Results

This paper highlights some results from experience with use of cascade technology in the design of diffusers for centrifugal compressors. The designs consisted of conformally transformed tandem blade-rows using 65-Series and double-circular-arc vane sections. Performance results are presented and comparisons to conventional diffuser data are made.

Criteria for the Stability Limit Prediction of High Speed Centrifugal Compressors With Vaneless Diffuser: Part II — The Development of Prediction Criteria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Cravero ◽  
Davide Marsano
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Stability Limit ◽  
Design Phase ◽  
Vaneless Diffuser ◽  
Centrifugal Compressors ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Computational Resources

Abstract The challenge to be able to predict the stability limit in high speed centrifugal compressor is particularly strategic in an initial design phase. Furthermore, to be able to predict the limit massflow rate through the use of simplified numerical models (which does not require excessive computational resources) is very important. In the literature there are several methods to predict the chocking condition, while there is a lack as regards the surge condition. The authors have already presented a criterion to predict the surge line valid for centrifugal compressors with vaned diffuser. Instead those with vaneless diffuser have a very different behavior. For this reason, in the first paper an in-depth fluid dynamic analysis has been carried out, in order to identify the main phenomena linked to the trigger of instability in this type of compressors. This analysis has allowed understanding that the rotational speed is a discriminating factor in the phenomenology. In this second part, using the previous information, different criteria to predict the limit massflow rate for centrifugal compressors with vaneless diffuser are described. All the criteria are based on different simplified CFD approaches that can be routinely used during the design phase.

A Study on Impeller-Diffuser Interaction: Part I — Influence on the Performance

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai U. Ziegler ◽  
Heinz E. Gallus ◽  
Reinhard Niehuis
Keyword(s):  
Strong Influence ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Flow Losses ◽  
Extensive Test ◽  
Radial Gap ◽  
Operating Points ◽  
Vane Angle ◽  
Compressor Efficiency ◽  
Probe Measurements ◽  
Highly Loaded

The interaction between impeller and diffuser is considered to have strong influence on the flow in highly loaded centrifugal compressors. However, the knowledge about this influence is still not satisfying. This two-part paper presents an experimental investigation of the effect of impeller-diffuser interaction on the unsteady and the time averaged flow configuration in impeller and diffuser and the performance of these components. The flat wedge vaned diffuser of the investigated stage allows an independent adjustment of diffuser vane angle and radial gap between impeller exit and diffuser vane inlet. Attention is mainly directed to the radial gap, as it determines the intensity of the impeller-diffuser interaction. Part I deals with the integral flow losses and the diffusion in impeller, diffuser and the entire compressor. An extensive test series with steady probe measurements at impeller exit and diffuser exit was performed at 10 different diffuser geometries and different operating points. The results show that in most cases smaller radial gaps are leading to a more homogeneous flow field at diffuser vane exit and to a higher diffuser pressure recovery resulting in a higher compressor efficiency. On the other hand, impeller efficiency is hardly affected by the radial gap. In part II measurements with a laser-2-focus velocimeter are presented illuminating the reasons for the effects found. The experimental results are intended to be published as an open CFD testcase under the name “Radiver”.

scholarly journals Experimental Investigation of Unsteady Flow Phenomena in a Centrifugal Compressor Vaned Diffuser of Variable Geometry

1999 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 763-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Justen ◽  
K. U. Ziegler ◽  
H. E. Gallus
Keyword(s):  
Centrifugal Compressor ◽  
Pressure Fluctuations ◽  
Suction Side ◽  
Front Wall ◽  
Compressor Stage ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Centrifugal Compressor Stage ◽  
Impeller Outlet ◽  
Flow Phenomena ◽  
Radial Gap

The behavior of vaned radial diffusers is generally considered to be due to the flow phenomena in the vaneless and the semi-vaned space in the diffuser inlet region. Even considering unsteady aspects, the adjacent diffuser channel is regarded as less important. The flat wedge vaned diffuser of the centrifugal compressor stage investigated allows an independent continuous adjustment of the diffuser vane angle and the radial gap between impeller outlet and diffuser vane inlet, so that information about the importance of these geometric parameters can be obtained. The time-dependent pressure distribution on the diffuser front wall and on the suction and pressure surfaces of the diffuser vanes reveal that in the semi-vaned space mainly the region near the vane suction side is influenced by the unsteady impeller-diffuser interaction. Downstream in the diffuser channel the unsteadiness does not decay. Here, pressure fluctuations are appearing that are distinctly higher than the pressure fluctuations in the vaneless space. An estimation of the influence of the unsteadiness on the operating performance of the centrifugal compressor stage is made by measurements at choke and surge limit for different diffuser geometries.

scholarly journals Effect of Rotor–Stator Interaction on Impeller Performance in Centrifugal Compressors

1999 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Sato ◽  
L. He
Keyword(s):  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Steady Flows ◽  
Centrifugal Compressors ◽  
Vaned Diffuser ◽  
Rotor Stator Interaction ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Unsteady Effects ◽  
Blade Row Interaction

A 3-D unsteady thin-layer Navier-Stokes code has been used to calculate the flow through a centrifugal compressor stage. The validation of the code for steady flows in centrifugal compressors was conducted for the Krain’s impeller with a vaneless diffuser as a test case and the numerical results were compared with the experimental results. The predicted flow field and performance agreed well with the experimental data. An unsteady stage solution was then conducted with this impeller followed by a generic low-solidity vaned-diffuser to examine the unsteady effects on the impeller performance. The computational results showed a stabilising effect of the blade row interaction.

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