An Experimental Investigation of the Non-Steady Flow Characteristics of a Centrifugal Compressor

Abstract

The results are given of an experimental investigation of the flow characteristics of a centrifugal compressor under non-steady flow conditions. The compressor delivered air against a rotary valve with a tee branch located in the pipe system between the compressor and the rotary valve. By varying the areas of a nozzle located at the branch end and orifices in the rotary valve a range of flow conditions could be explored. The tests showed that the surge point was displaced to a point of greater mass flow (thus reducing the flow range of the compressor); the magnitude of the displacement depended on the frequency and amplitude of the pressure pulses. Except for small fluctuations in pressure the overall compressor efficiency was reduced for all the test conditions. The flow characteristic of the compressor, as represented by the pressure-mass flow curves, were displaced under all conditions of pulsating flow, the greatest deviation from steady flow characteristics occurring with largest fluctuations in rotary valve area and at low frequencies.