Active Flow Control for Increasing the Surge Margin of an Axial Flow Compressor

Steady and pulsating jets were used targeting to increase the surge margin of an axial flow compressor. In this experimental study, a rotating valve was built for generating pulsating jets and a number of pulsating jet actuators were installed on the compressor casing. Approximately 10% surge margin increase was obtained for a jet mass flow rate of less than 1% of the compressor mass flow rate. The active control mechanism is analyzed and the influence of each parameter is studied in an effort to quantify their relative influence and increase our understanding of the phenomenon.