Centrifugal Compressor Groove Positioning for Surging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing centrifugal compressor designs experience a decrease in efficiency due to pressure loss when air flowing backward in the intake flow path enters a groove on the surface opposite the compressor impeller, leading to surging issues.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal compressor design where a groove is formed on the upstream side of the movable portion, rather than the downstream side, to reduce pressure loss and maintain compressor efficiency during surging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove is formed on the downstream side surface of the movable portion to block backward flowing air, then surging is curbed, but pressure loss increases and compressor efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is relocated from the downstream side surface to the upstream side surface of the movable portion. This inversion of the groove position allows the groove to be filled with forward-flowing air instead of backward-flowing air, preventing pressure loss while maintaining the ability to curb surging through the movable portion's blocking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is specifically positioned on the upstream side surface where it can be filled with clean forward-flowing air, creating a localized region that does not interfere with the main airflow path. This local modification allows surging control without compromising overall flow efficiency.
2Reliability
If the movable portion protrudes into the intake flow path to block backward air flow, then surging is prevented, but compressor efficiency decreases due to pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is positioned on the upstream side surface of the movable portion, creating a localized feature that does not obstruct the main airflow path. This allows the movable portion to protrude for surging prevention while the groove remains filled with forward-flowing air, minimizing impact on compressor efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively curbs the decrease in compressor efficiency by minimizing pressure loss and preventing air from flowing into the groove during surging, thereby enhancing operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor impeller arranged in the intake flow path
Implementation Method 2
The movable portion is configured to move between a protruding position in which the portion protrudes into the intake flow path, and a retracted position in which the portion is retracted from the intake flow path. The throttling mechanism reduces the cross-sectional area of the intake flow path by causing the movable portion to protrude into the intake flow path.
Implementation Method 3
a groove formed in an area other than a surface located on a downstream side in the flow of the intake air in the movable portion. The groove may be formed on a surface located on an upstream side in the flow of the intake air in the movable portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifugal compressor includes: a housing including an intake flow path; a compressor impeller arranged in the intake flow path; a movable portion arranged upstream of the compressor impeller in a flow of an intake air; and a groove formed in an area other than a surface located on a downstream side in the flow of the intake air in the movable portion.