Challenges in Centrifugal Compressor Design
Compressors of different shapes and sizes have been used a long time for generating pressure rise by adding energy to the continuous flow of fluid through the rotor. They are also heavyly utilized in turbochargers in automotive industry. Figure 1 shows a typical centrifugal (radial) compressor impeller.
Fig. 1 Impeller
Centrifugal compressors are built to operate over a broad range of flow rates and to provide a high pressure ratio with high efficiency. The flow through a centrifugal compressor is very complex with 3-dimensional and unsteady flow phenomena that requires accurate prediction models for design.
Engineering Solution
Traditionally testing, empirical and experience-based data has been used to design compressors. As more computational power and higher fidelity numerical models were available, computer aided design methods have became the norm.
Ansys has recently developed an automated modular workflow for the design of centrifugal compressors to address the following challenges:
1. Integration of multi-disciplinary tools such as parametric geometry and simulation tool integration.
2. Automation of complex simulation sequences along with multiple design variables.
3. Automatic mesh generation with quality control.
4. Automated post processing.
The solution architecture (in OptiSlang) is shown below:
Fig. 2 Ansys solution architecture
Ansys Solution Benefits
Customers who use the Ansys workflow for the design of centrifugal compressor (turbocharger) enjoy the following benefits:
1. Reduced engineering development time and cost due to automation.
2. Improved accuracy due to less human intervention.
3. Parametrization allowing for design customization and checking what-if scenarios.
Fig. 3 Automated design to solution visualization
Ozen Engineering Expertise
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