Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Numerical and experimental research on different inlet configurations of high speed centrifugal compressor

  • Published:
Science China Technological Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Three different inlet configurations, including a original straight pipe and two bend pipes with different axial length, for a high speed low mass flow centrifugal compressor were modeled with whole blade passages and simulated unsteadily by 3D viscous Navier-Stokes equations. The performance disparities of compressor stage were tested and verified by experiments in which dynamic pressure data acquisition of internal flow field was performed. As the result shows, the choke point decreases to lower mass flow rate due to the distortion caused by bend-pipe inlet and is aggravated as the rotation speed increases. The distortion effect spreads circumferentially in impeller and makes the flow structure varied. The longer axial distance bent inlet leads to larger radial distortion and heavy blockage at mid-span under large mass flow mainly causes compressor choke margin narrowed. Bend pipe distortion brings an impact up to diffuser on unsteady pressure pulsation caused by blades sweep and the impact appears more powerful when it is closer to volute tongue.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ariga I, Kasai N, Masuda S, et al. The effect of inlet distortion on the performance characteristics of a centrifugal compressor. J Engr Power, 1983, 105(2): 223–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Zemp A, Kammerer A, Abhari R S. Unsteady CFD investigation on inlet distortion in a centrifugal compressor. ASME Paper, 2008, GT2008-50744

  3. Kammerer A, Abhari R S. Blade forcing function and aerodynamic work measurements in a high speed centrifugal compressor with inlet distortion. ASME Paper, 2009, GT2009-59911

  4. Brune K H, Schiffer H P, Christmann R, et al. Experimental investigations of the disturbed inlet-flow structure caused by mixing geometries and its influence on the performance of a turbocharger centrifugal compressor. ASME Paper, 2009, GT2009-59534

  5. Cui M M. Unsteady flow around suction elbow and inlet guide vanes in a centrifugal compressor. ASME Paper, 2004, GT2004-53273

  6. Kim Y, Engeda A, Aungier R, et al. The influence of inlet flow distortion on the performance of a centrifugal compressor and the development of an improved inlet using numerical simulations. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: J Power Energy, 2001, 215(3): 323–338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Engeda A, Kim Y, Aungier R, et al. The inlet flow structure of a centrifugal compressor stage and its influence on the compressor performance. J Fluids Eng, 2003, 125(5): 779–784

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Dickmann, H-P, Wimmel T S, Szwedowicz J, et al. Unsteady flow in a turbocharger centrifugal compressor: 3D-CFD-simulation and numerical and experimental analysis of impeller blade vibration. ASME Paper, 2005, GT2005-68235

  9. Reichl A, Kuhnel J, Dickmann H-P. Calculation methods for the determination of blade excitation due to suction elbows in centrifugal compressors. ASME Paper, 2005, GT2009-59178

  10. Dickmann, H-P, Wimmel T S, Szwedowicz J, et al. Unsteady flow in a turbocharger centrifugal compressor: 3D-CFD simulation, impeller blade vibration and vaned diffuser-volute interaction. ASME Paper, 2009, GT2009-59046

  11. Zhou S D, Wen Q. The effects of inlet total pressure radial distortions on the performance characteristics of a centrifugal compressor (in Chinese). Gas Turbine Exp Res, 2005, 18(3): 10–14

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  12. Zhou S D. An experimental study of a centrifugal compressor with five different types of radial diffusers (in Chinese). Gas Turbine Exp Res, 2005, 18(1): 21–26

    Google Scholar 

  13. Li D, Yang C, Chen S, et al. Numerical simulation on inlet distortion of centrifugal compressor with 90 degree bent pipe (in Chinese). J Aerosp Power, 2010, 25(11): 2556–2563

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China

    Du Li & Ce Yang

  2. Basic Subject Department, Bohai Shipbuilding Vocational College, Huludao, 125000, China

    Mi Zhou

  3. Kangyue Technology Co., Ltd., Shouguang, 262711, China

    ZhiFu Zhu & Hang Wang

Authors
  1. Du Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ce Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mi Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. ZhiFu Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hang Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ce Yang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Li, D., Yang, C., Zhou, M. et al. Numerical and experimental research on different inlet configurations of high speed centrifugal compressor. Sci. China Technol. Sci. 55, 174–181 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-011-4635-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-011-4635-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation