Computational and Experimental Comparison of Different Volute Geometries in a Radial Compressor

Abstract

Two different volute geometries of a radial compressor at three different operating points have been analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics and detailed laboratory measurements. The performance of the volutes were compared using steady-state CFD-analysis, where the volute and the impeller with diffuser were modeled separately. In addition, a time dependent simulation of the complete compressor using the sliding mesh technique was performed for one operation point. Both volutes were manufactured and the overall performance of the compressor, the pressure distribution in the volute and the flow field in the volute inlet were measured with the respective volute geometries. The results obtained from steady, quasi-steady and time-accurate simulations are compared with experimental data.