Modelling axisymmetric centrifugal compressor characteristics from first principles

Katherine H. Powers, Chris J. Brace, Chris J. Budd, Colin D. Copeland, Paul A. Milewski

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter in a published conference proceeding

1 Citation (SciVal)

Abstract

Turbochargers are a vital component for aiding engine manufacturers in meeting the latest emissions standards. However, their range of operation is limited for low mass flows by compressor surge. Operation in surge results in pressure and mass flow oscillations that are often damaging to the compressor and its installation. Since surge is a highly complex flow regime, full unsteady 3D models are generally too computationally expensive to run. The majority of current low-dimensional surge models use a cubic compressor characteristic that needs to be fitted to experimental data. Therefore, each time a compressor is studied using these models, costly experimental testing is required. In this paper, a new technique for obtaining an axisymmetric centrifugal compressor characteristic is presented. This characteristic is built using the equations of mass, momentum and energy from first principles in order to provide a more complete model than those currently obtained via experimental data. This approach enables us to explain the resulting cubic-like shape of the characteristic and hence to identify impeller inlet stall as a route into surge. The characteristic is used within a quasi-steady, map-based surge model in order to demonstrate its ability to predict the onset of surge while only providing geometric data as input. Validation is provided for this model by discussion of the qualitative flow dynamics and a good fit to experimental data, especially for low impeller speeds and pressure ratios.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2019: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition
Subtitle of host publicationVolume 2A: Turbomachinery
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Number of pages14
Volume2A
ISBN (Electronic)9780791858554
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Nov 2019
EventASME Turbo Expo 2019: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, GT 2019 - Phoenix, USA United States
Duration: 17 Jun 201921 Jun 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo
Volume2A-2019

Conference

ConferenceASME Turbo Expo 2019: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, GT 2019
Country/TerritoryUSA United States
CityPhoenix
Period17/06/1921/06/19

Funding

Katherine Powers is supported by a scholarship from the EP-SRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Statistical Applied Mathematics at Bath (SAMBa), under the project EP/L015684/1.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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