Abstract
Abstract
Theoretical and experimental studies on the effect of the volute design parameters on the centrifugal compressor range of stable operation and pressure rise coefficient were investigated. In the theoretical study, the effect of the symmetric and tangent volute area ratios (AR) on the diffuser pressure recovery factor and flow stability was investigated. In the experimental study, different configurations of a symmetrical and tangent (overhung) volutes with different ARs from 0.4 to 0.8 were investigated. Comparisons between the two different types of volute design parameters on compressor stable flow range and pressure rise coefficient were made. Effect of the gab between the diffuser vanes and the volute casing on the compressor stability was investigated. This gap was changed from 0 to 0.4 of the impeller exit width in five tests. The pressure fluctuation leading to stall was observed at the vaneless region. Stall and surge were detected by analysing both the fluctuations of pressure signals and the power spectrum density. The effect of different volute configurations and clearance on stall initiation, and hence compressor stable operation, were discussed. The theoretical results show that the increase in the symmetric volute exit radius increases the pressure recovery factor in the diffuser. Experimental data show that the increase in the AR of symmetric and tangent volutes increases the compressor range of stable operation as well as pressure rise coefficient.
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