Global Analysis of Tip Clearance Influence on Centrifugal Compressor Performance

Abstract:

In this paper a case study of a trans-sonic centrifugal compressor at various tip gap values is presented. At all clearance values, global parameters of efficiency and head coefficient were assessed for the rotor and the stage. All results were obtained through 3D CFD simulations carried out with the k-omega SST model. Results indicate that stage performance can easily be correlated with the tip gap size while rotor performances appear to be subject to more complex interactions. The work may be used to validate and extend the state of the art correlations and also to pave the way for more in-depth analysis into the phenomena occurring in centrifugal compressor flows.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 811)
• Pages: 128-132
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.811.128
• Online since: November 2015
• Authors: Valeriu Dragan*, Bogdan Gherman, Ion Mălăel, Razvan Bimbasa
• Keywords: Centrifugal Compressor, SST-Rc, Tip Clearance CFD

References

[1] Heo Man-Woong, Jin-Hyuk, Kwang-Yong, Design Optimization of a Centrifugal Fan with Splitter Blades, International Journal of Turbo & Jet-Engines, Volume 2, Pp 143, Issue 2, (2015).

DOI: 10.1515/tjj-2014-0026

[2] V. Dragan, Aerodynamic reconfiguration and multicriterial optimization of centrifugal compressors – a case study, INCAS BULLETIN, Volume 6, Issue 4/ 2014, p.41 – 49.

DOI: 10.13111/2066-8201.2014.6.4.4

[3] P. Spalart, Reflections on RANS modelling, Progress in Hybrid RANS-LES Modelling Notes on Numerical Fluid Mechanics and Multidisciplinary Design Volume 111, 2010, pp.7-24.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-14168-3_2

[4] A. Lucius, G. Brenner, Unsteady CFD simulations of a pump in part load conditions using scale-adaptive simulation, International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow Vol31, Iss 6, (2010).

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatfluidflow.2010.06.005

[5] B. Semlitsch, V. Jyothishkumar, M. Mihaescu, L. Fuchs and E. J. Gutmark, Investigation of the Surge Phenomena in a Centrifugal Compressor Using Large Eddy Simulation, , ASME 2013 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition Volume 7A: Fluids Engineering Systems and Technologies San Diego, California, USA, November 15–21, (2013).

DOI: 10.1115/imece2013-66301

[6] Ian Britton, J. E. Donald Gauthier, Performance Prediction of Centrifugal Impellers Using a Two-Zone Model, ASME Turbo Expo 2008: Power for Land, Sea, and Air Volume 6: Turbomachinery, Parts A, B, and C Berlin, Germany, June 9–13, (2008).

DOI: 10.1115/gt2008-51530

[7] Wei Jiang, Jamil Khan, Roger A. Dougal, Dynamic centrifugal compressor model for system simulation, Journal of Power Sources, Volume 158, Issue 2, 25 August 2006, P. 1333–1343.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2005.10.093

[8] Cuciumita, Olaru, Vilag, Porumbel, Riznyk, Khomylyev, Experimental Measurements of Static Pressure in the Inter-Turbine Duct of a Gas Turbine, Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering, p.185, ISBN: 978-960-474-402-2.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.789-790.540

[9] FR Menter, M Kuntz, R Langtry, Ten Years of Industrial Experience with the SST Turbulence Model, Turbulence, Heat and Mass Transfer 4, 2003 Begell House, Inc.

[10] S. Danaila, D. Isvoranu, C. Leventiu, Preliminary Simulation of a 3D Turbine Stage with In Situ Combustion , p.103, Advanced Research in Aerospace, Robotics, Manufacturing Systems, Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering , (2015).

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.772.103

[11] Rodgers, C., Specific speed and efficiency of centrifugal impellers, Performance Proceedings of the 25th Annual International Gas Turbine Conference and Exhibit and 22nd Annual Fluids Engineering Conference, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 1979, pp.191-200.

[12] M. V. Casey, The Effects of Reynolds Number on the Efficiency of Centrifugal Compressor Stages, J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power 107(2), 541-548 (Apr 01, 1985), doi: 10. 1115/1. 3239767.

DOI: 10.1115/1.3239811

[13] Cheng Xu, Ryoichi S. Amano, Empirical Design Considerations for Industrial Centrifugal Compressors, International Journal of Rotating Machinery, Volume (2012).

DOI: 10.1155/2012/184061

[14] Gherman, Malael, Silivestru, Numerical investigation of clearence effects on transonic centrifugal rotor aerodynamic efficiency, Int. Conf. on Jets, Wakes and Separated Flows (2015).

[15] Frunzulica, Dumitrache, Dumitrescu, Preotu, Flow control of separating boundary layer on the Coanda surface, EUCASS, (2011).

[16] Menter, F.R., Two-equation eddy-viscosity turbulence models for engineering applications, AIAA-Journal., 32(8), pp.1598-1605, (1994).

DOI: 10.2514/3.12149

[17] Spalart, P.R., and Shur, M. On the sensitization of turbulence models to rotation and curvature, Aerospace Sci. Tech., 1(5), pp.297-302, (1997).

DOI: 10.1016/s1270-9638(97)90051-1