Effect of Dimensional Parameters of Impellers on Performance Characteristics of a Radial-Inflow Turbine

Abstract

An experimental radial-inflow turbine having a pressure ratio of 2:1 was constructed, and the effect of dimensional parameters of an impeller was examined by performance tests of the turbine using compressed air. A series of four impellers having different passage areas and another series of three impellers having different mean diameters of exducer exits but with the same exit annular areas were employed to examine the effect. In addition, the effects of side clearance between impeller shroud and casing as well as radial clearance between nozzle exit and impeller inlet were examined.