Use of partially shrouded impeller in a small centrifugal compressor

• Published in: Journal of thermal science Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 21 - 27
• Main Authors: Tang, Jin, Turunen-Saaresti, Teemu, Larjola, Jaakko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg SP Science Press 01.03.2008
• Subjects: CFD; Classical and Continuum Physics; Engineering Fluid Dynamics; Engineering Thermodynamics; Heat and Mass Transfer; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; 离心压缩机; 覆盖物; 齿顶间隙; CFD; centrifugal compressor; tip clearance; partial shroud
• ISSN: 1003-2169; 1993-033X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11630-008-0021-1

Numerical analysis is conducted for the 3-dimensional impeller and vaneless diffuser of a small centrifugal com- pressor. The influence of impeller tip clearance on the flow field of the impeller is investigated. Detailed investigation on the leaking flow across the tip clearance of the impeller shows that the leaking flow rate is higher near the exit of the impeller than that near the inlet of the impeller. Based on this phenomenon, a new partially shrouded impeller is designed. The impeller is shrouded near the exit of the impeller. Numerical results show that the secondary flow region becomes smaller at the exit of the impeller. Better performance is achieved than that with the unshrouded impeller.