Abstract

The Two Element in Series (TEIS) and Two Zone models stand out as powerful tools that enable deeper understanding of compressor stage designs after they have been tested. The insights gained from these investigations have aided in improving new stage designs. Up to now, it has only been possible to use the TEIS and Two Zone models for analysis of test data due to the inability to predict the four required input parameters for untested machines. Empirical models for the TEIS and Two Zone model input parameters, ETAa5, ETAb5, Chi5, and DELTA5p, for two different types of vaned diffusers, channel and cascade, are proposed. These models were developed with frozen impeller modeling. This is the first time that modeling the TEIS and Two Zone input parameters has been attempted for vaned diffusers and impeller-diffuser coupling was not considered in this initial investigation. The centrifugal compressor experimental data used in the model building was obtained from Concepts NREC, an industry sponsor. Each dataset provided was evaluated for quality and reliability and only the data deemed reliable were used in the model building databases. The empirical models presented are built solely on this higher quality data. Seven models are proposed for use in predicting the TEIS and Two Zone model input parameters ETAa5, ETAb5, Chi5, and DELTA5p. Models for ETAa5, ETAb5, and DELTA5p are specific to the type of vane present in the diffuser, while the model for Chi5 is common to both diffuser types. These are the first models ever built for the TEIS and Two Zone model inputs applied to channel and cascade diffusers and become a benchmark for future studies. The work with these models is not complete, however. The databases are not of a size that data could be withheld from empirical model building for the express purpose of validation. Instead the model performance is evaluated by applying all of the models, simultaneously, to the database from which they were built. The determination of the effectiveness of the combined modeling is based on the average error across the entire speedline. The models proved to be effective and a contributing step to employing such models for use in future compressor design.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Mechanical Engineering

Rights

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