Techno-Economic Optimization of Diffuser Configuration Effect on Centrifugal Compressor Performance

Waleed Al-Busaidi^1, and Pericles Pilidis²

¹Researcher in Cranfield University, Bedford, UK

²Head of Propulsion Engineering Centre, Cranfield University, Bedford, UK

Cite this paper:
Waleed Al-Busaidi and Pericles Pilidis. Techno-Economic Optimization of Diffuser Configuration Effect on Centrifugal Compressor Performance. American Journal of Energy Research. 2015; 3(2):37-48. doi: 10.12691/ajer-3-2-4

Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted on centrifugal compressors to investigate the influence of diffuser features on the stage performance. However, there are several geometrical parameters affecting the diffuser performance and the unsteady interaction with the rotating impeller which makes the appropriate selection of the optimum features more complex. Furthermore, the trade-off between the efficiency improvement and operating range extension necessitates the need for an optimization tool to decide the typical diffuser configuration. Hence, this paper aims to introduce a multi-decision optimization approach to define the overall diffuser characteristics based on the specified duty requirements. This approach uses the most recent developed models in this field to evaluate the impact of different diffuser types on the overall stage performance technically and economically. From the performance perspective, the influences of diffuser geometry have been utilized to study the impact on stage efficiency and stable flow range. Furthermore, this has been also discussed economically as a function of the diffuser losses cost in order to make the typical decision.

Keywords:
centrifugal compressor diffuser characteristics optimization multi-decision process

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