Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulation of a Supercritical CO2 Compressor Performance Map

Abstract

The performance map of a radial compressor operating with supercritical CO2 is computed by means of three-dimensional steady state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. The geometry investigated is part of a 250 kW prototype which was tested at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). An in-house fluid dynamic solver is coupled with a lookup table algorithm to evaluate the fluid properties. Tables are generated using a multiparameter equation of state, which ensures high accuracy in the fluid characterization. The compressor map is calculated considering three different rotational speeds (45 krpm, 50 krpm, and 55 krpm). For each speed-line, several mass flow rates are simulated. Numerical results are compared to experimental data from SNL to prove the potential of the methodology.

A 1D mean line model for centrifugal compressors with variable inlet guide vanes

“…Both experimental and numerical approaches have been used to study compressor flow, with and without IGVs. Both can give valuable insight; however, both have their limitations.…”

“…More recent studies have applied CFD simulations to investigate features such as performance, 7,8 unsteady interactions between the IGVs and the impellers, 9,10 pressure fluctuations at large IGV angles, 11 and the effect of IGV geometry. 1,12 A review of preswirl in from IGVs can be found in the work of Liu et al 13 Both experimental [14][15][16] and numerical 3,9,[17][18][19][20][21][22] approaches have been used to study compressor flow, with and without IGVs. Both can give valuable insight; however, both have their limitations.…”

Operation Analysis of Organic Rankine Cycle under Variable Conditions and Comparison confirmation of simulation calculation

“…Kiyarash Rahbar [15] proposed a method for achieving maximum efficiency optimization of a radial ORC turbine using mean-line modeling and genetic algorithm (GA). Enrico Rinaldi [16] first studied the single-stage high expansion ratio ORC radial turbine under non-design conditions using quasi-three-dimensional numerical simulation method, and proposed a kind of unstable CFD simulation.…”

Investigation on Unsteady Flow Characteristics of a SCO2 Centrifugal Compressor

“…Utamura M. et al [16] from Tokyo Institute of Technology tested the aerodynamic characteristics of a centrifugal compressor working in supercritical carbon dioxide by an experimental method. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been widely used as a tool for designing, evaluating, and improving turbomachinery devices, including compressors [17,18], turbines [19,20], and pumps [21,22]. Zhao H. et al [23] carried out the numerical investigation of two-phase flow characteristics on the blade tip of a supercritical CO 2 centrifugal compressor.…”