Return Vane Exit-Angle Cutting for Wider Compressor Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal compressors with a 0° exit angle for return vanes have a limited operation range, necessitating a method to easily expand this range without re-manufacturing the vanes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cutting a portion of the return vane to form a cut surface, allowing the exit angle to be increased, which retains a swirling flow component and can be adjusted through simple machining, thereby expanding the operation range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the exit angle of the return vane is set to 0° to improve the head of the compressor, then the head is improved, but the operation range of the compressor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the exit angle parameter of the return vane from 0° to a larger angle (e.g., 10°-30°) to modify the flow characteristics. This parameter change allows the compressor to maintain improved head performance while expanding the operation range by retaining beneficial swirling flow components that prevent flow separation at off-design conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the exit angle of the return vane is increased to enlarge the operation range, then the operation range is enlarged, but the head of the compressor may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the exit angle parameter within a specific range (e.g., 10°-30°) to achieve a balance between operation range and head performance. This controlled parameter change ensures that the compressor operates efficiently across a broader range while maintaining adequate head through careful selection of the exit angle that preserves necessary flow energy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the return vane is re-manufactured with a different exit angle to change the operation range, then the desired operation range is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the return vane into a removable component that can be independently adjusted or replaced. This allows the exit angle to be modified by simply detaching and reattaching the return vane or adjusting its position, rather than re-manufacturing the entire component, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired operation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustability to the return vane configuration, allowing the exit angle to be dynamically modified based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables the compressor to adapt to different operating conditions without permanent manufacturing changes, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving versatile operation ranges.
Data Source
AI summary
What is provided is a method of manufacturing a centrifugal rotary machine including: a fixing step S1 of fixing a return vane body having a virtual airfoil curved forward in a rotation direction of a rotation shaft as it goes inward in a radial direction and formed by a pressure surface recessed forward in the rotation direction and a negative pressure surface protruding forward in the rotation direction onto a guide flow path; and a cutting step S2 of forming a cut surface by cutting a portion including an inner radial end portion of the return vane body from the pressure surface to the negative pressure surface.