Application of the Surge Model to Radial Compressor System Cycle Optimization Available to Purchase

Surge avoidance and minimization of power consumption in the design of a radial compressor cycle requires a solution to the complex, time-dependent problem of implicit variable coupling. To solve this problem, a modified lumped parameter surge model was developed and tested using experimental data. The model was expanded to include open-loop, time-dependent (periodic) boundary conditions with added equations representing the effects of heat transfer and flow compressibility. Comparison with experimental data showed good agreement with model-predicted behavior. The developed model of the compressor system was analyzed with respect to the main compressor design parameters. Sensitivity of the compressor system to the valve timing and resistance, wheel diameter, and inertia was also examined. It was demonstrated that the mass flow rate-averaged, or power-averaged compressor efficiency was improved by over 3 percent using the optimum impeller diameter.