On the Performance Prediction of a Centrifugal Compressor Scaled Up

Abstract

A centrifugal compressor performance prediction method, in which each loss generated within the compressor stage was estimated by recognizing the individual relationship with Mach number, was investigated over a wide range of sizes and types. Calculation formulae for the losses were established by analyzing test results. It was confirmed that the formulae could be applied to predict the performance levels of compressors with impeller diameters from 78 mm to 640 mm by refering to unpublished test data obtained experimentally by other researchers. From the results, it could be deduced that: (1) The wall friction losses and the secondary flow losses within the compressor decreased with increase of impeller size. (2) The leakage flow losses were found to increase when scaling up the compressor, even when tip clearance/blade height were held constant. The present paper presents a progress report of work still underway.