Experimental and numerical investigation on the influence of the diffuser blade setting angle on the performance of centrifugal compressor

Abstract

Abstract Setting angle of the front blade row of tandem cascade diffuser was investigated experimentally to understand its influence on the performance of centrifugal compressor. Three diffusers with different setting angles were tested. The change of front blade setting angle mainly alters. The angle of attack (AOA) on the leading edge of front blades, which affects the surge point of the compressor. The throat area of the blade row is also modified, which affect the chock point of the compressor. With the increase of setting angle, performance curves of centrifugal compressor move to large flow rate side, the operation range is increased at the same time. In addition, numerical simulation was used to investigate the flow details on the passage of diffuser blades. Overall, the setting angle of front blade row has a significant influence of the performance of centrifugal compressor.