Compressor Stabilizer Chamber Segmentation for Surge Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radial and diagonal compressors face limitations in their operating range due to surge instability, particularly at lower mass flows, leading to narrow characteristic map widths and flat characteristic curves, which can result in unexpected surges and pressure pulsations.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer for compressors, featuring a first and second annular stabilizer chamber with flow guide elements, is designed to improve the swirl distribution and axial velocity of the flow at the impeller leading edge, enhancing the characteristic map width and curve slope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional bypass/stabilizer channel is used, then the surge limit is reduced, but the characteristic map width decreases and the characteristic curve becomes flat
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer chamber is divided into multiple segments (first stabilizer chamber, second stabilizer chamber, third stabilizer chamber) arranged axially downstream of each other. Each chamber has its own inlet opening and outlet opening, allowing independent control of flow characteristics. This segmentation enables the system to maintain surge protection while improving characteristic map width through distributed flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces axial dimensionality by arranging stabilizer chambers in the axial direction rather than using a single radial bypass. The axial arrangement of multiple chambers with different inlet/outlet positions creates a three-dimensional flow control structure that enhances characteristic map width while maintaining surge stability.
2Reliability
If a conventional bypass/stabilizer channel is used, then the surge limit is reduced, but the characteristic curve slope becomes flat
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented stabilizer chamber structure with multiple axial sections allows each segment to contribute differently to the overall pressure rise characteristic. The distributed arrangement of inlet and outlet openings across different axial positions creates a more progressive pressure build-up, resulting in a steeper characteristic curve slope while maintaining surge protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the stabilizer system are given different functional qualities. The first stabilizer chamber handles flow at one axial level, the second chamber at another level, and so on. This local differentiation of flow control characteristics across axial positions enables optimization of both surge limit and characteristic curve slope simultaneously.
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
The stabilizer system effectively stabilizes compressor operation by increasing the surge limit and reducing noise and vibration, thereby improving the operational stability and efficiency of radial and diagonal compressors.
Implementation Method 1
This mass flow exhibits a strong swirl component (in the direction of rotation of the impeller - co-swirl). This co-swirl leads to a reduction in the work conversion in the compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a stabilizer (10) of a compressor, in particular of a radial compressor or diagonal compressor. The stabilizer (10) comprises a first annular stabilizer chamber (12A) which encloses a main flow channel (13) in the intake region of a compressor wheel (21). The stabilizer (10) further comprises a second annular stabilizer chamber (12B) which encloses the first annular stabilizer chamber (12A). The invention further relates to a compressor, in particular a radial compressor or diagonal compressor, comprising the stabilizer (10) according to the invention, and to a turbomachine, in particular a turbocharger, comprising the compressor.