Approach to novel design of CO₂ based centrifugal compressor

AGH University of Science and Technology, Department of Fundamental Research in Energy Engineering, al. Mick iewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland

^a Corresponding author: kura@agh.edu.pl

Abstract

Even though turbomachinery design issues have been investigated almost since the beginning of engineering, its optimization process is still important. With the development of refrigeration devices and ORC based distributed generation facilities, a need for efficient and low-energy compressors and turbines became even more demanding. Such machines working with typical fluid, like air, are well described, but there is a room regarding the fluids like CO₂, vapour of organic fluids, etc. The main objective of present studies is to propose a numerical model of the centrifugal compressor, with CO₂ as the working fluid. Such unit may be a part of refrigeration cycle. Commonly, the scroll or piston compressors are used in such cases, however some discussed disadvantages show that the novel designs should be looked for. Properly designed centrifugal compressors can have higher efficiency than the presently used. Three dimensional analyses of proposed geometries were conducted – using a model including heat, mass and momentum conservation laws as well as ideal gas law. Verification of the proposed mesh and results was performed in the basis of values obtained using theoretical and empirical equations. With about 700 000 control volumes in the validated model, error of the results was no higher than 5%, with only about 1% in regards to the thermal parameters. Two design proposals were analysed, with performance maps as the main comparison factor. Apart from performance characteristics, the pressure and velocity fields were presented, showing the process of flow structure optimization. The main goal was to reduce negative effects of pressure and velocity gradients on the performance. Proposed precursory design might be a good starting point for further development of compressors. The results of numerical analysis were promising and shows the possibility of proposed design usage in practical applications, however to obtain deep understanding of the problem, the experimental analysis should be also done.