Numerical investigation of variable inlet guide vanes with trailing-edge dual slots to decrease the aerodynamic load on centrifugal compressor impeller

Abstract

In engineering practice, most centrifugal compressors use variable inlet guide vanes which can provide pre-whirl and control volume flow rates. As the impeller of a centrifugal compressor passes through the wakes created from the guide vanes, the aerodynamic parameters change significantly. The concept of adding dual slots at the trailing-edge of the guide vanes is proposed for reducing the aerodynamic load on the compressor impeller blades. In this article, the steady and unsteady performances of the new guide vanes are analysed under two compressor operating conditions (winter and design conditions). The results show that the average amplitude of the impeller passing frequency at the leading edge has a 13% decrease under the winter condition, especially at the middle and root parts. Moreover, the dual slots structure has no effect on the overall compressor performance.