This work reports on flow measurements taken within the vaneless diffuser of an scaled-up model of a small-scale, highly loaded unshrouded compressor with large relative tip clearance. The aims are to describe and to analyze the influence of the clearance flow on the flow structure at impeller exit in part load operation. The kind of compressor described herein are widely used in distributed power applications and automotive turbo-charging. They demand further enhancement of the operation range as well as a high head rise and an improved efficiency. Therefore, the understanding of flow features and their interaction is crucial. The interaction and mixing of the flow pattern flow downstream of the impeller is shown using spatially- and temporally resolved 3D-velocity data. The measurements have been obtained by using a 3D Laser Doppler Anemometry system (LDA) throughout the vaneless parallel wall diffuser. This unique data set provides insight into the development of the flow within the diffuser and allows conclusions on the mixing and migration of the 3-dimensional pattern. The flow structure in part load condition is strongly affected by the flow across the large relative tip gap. Due to the large relative tip clearance a low momentum zone is formed as an additional pattern at the shroud. This clearance flow is highly vortical and interacts with the channel wake structure but remains stable throughout the vaneless diffuser. At the pressure side hub corner a jet structure is formed which interacts rapidly with the blade wake. This flow behavior doesn’t comply with the classical jet wake pattern. It is proposed that in centrifugal compressor with large relative tip clearance a modified flow model which includes tip leakage is more appropriate to describe the flow structure at part load condition.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME Turbo Expo 2006: Power for Land, Sea, and Air
May 8–11, 2006
Barcelona, Spain
Conference Sponsors:
- International Gas Turbine Institute
ISBN:
0-7918-4241-X
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Clearance Effects on the Evolution of the Flow in the Vaneless Diffuser of a Centrifugal Compressor at Part Load Condition
Matthias Schleer,
Matthias Schleer
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zu¨rich, Switzerland
Search for other works by this author on:
Reza S. Abhari
Reza S. Abhari
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zu¨rich, Switzerland
Search for other works by this author on:
Matthias Schleer
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zu¨rich, Switzerland
Reza S. Abhari
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zu¨rich, Switzerland
Paper No:
GT2006-90083, pp. 981-991; 11 pages
Published Online:
September 19, 2008
Citation
Schleer, M, & Abhari, RS. "Clearance Effects on the Evolution of the Flow in the Vaneless Diffuser of a Centrifugal Compressor at Part Load Condition." Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2006: Power for Land, Sea, and Air. Volume 6: Turbomachinery, Parts A and B. Barcelona, Spain. May 8–11, 2006. pp. 981-991. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/GT2006-90083
Download citation file:
7
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
Clearance Effects on the Evolution of the Flow in the Vaneless Diffuser of a Centrifugal Compressor at Part Load Condition
J. Turbomach (July,2008)
Deterministic Blade Row Interactions in a Centrifugal Compressor Stage
J. Turbomach (April,1992)
Numerical Investigation of a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor
J. Turbomach (January,2008)
Related Chapters
Aerodynamic Performance Analysis
Axial-Flow Compressors
Outlook
Closed-Cycle Gas Turbines: Operating Experience and Future Potential
Pulsation and Vibration Analysis of Compression and Pumping Systems
Pipeline Pumping and Compression Systems: A Practical Approach, Second Edition