It has been shown in previous investigations that when all combinations of both positive and negative direction of rotation and flow direction are allowed in operating a multistage axial flow compressor, the operating point may be in any of the four quadrants of the pressure rise versus flow characteristic. The present paper is the first discussion of the flow field of all possible modes of operation of an axial flow compressor. During the present study interstage time dependent hot film velocity measurements and five hole pneumatic probe measurements were combined with steady and time dependent CFD solutions to investigate the flow fields in the three-stage axial compressor. Results are presented in terms of mean-line velocity triangles, mean stream surface plots, mid-span radial velocity contours right through the compressor, rotor-downstream radial distributions of axial and tangential velocity, stator-downstream axial velocity contours and mid-span entropy contours through the compressor. Main flow features are pointed out and discussed. The study was instigated in an effort to understand possible accident scenarios in a three-shaft closed cycle nuclear powered helium gas turbine.Copyright © 2013 by ASME

Measurements of the Performance of an Air Turbine Stage at Positive and Negative Mass Flow and Rotational Speed (Four-Quadrant Characteristics)

Flow Fields in an Axial Flow Compressor During Four-Quadrant Operation

Abstract Negative flow from the outlet through the volute, diffuser, and impeller to the inlet of the centrifugal compressor can occur continuously as a result of system accidents. A physical comprehension of negative flow dynamics is crucial in evaluating the compressor characteristics under abnormal working conditions and is also important in exploring the compressor aerodynamics over the entire flow range. However, limited research on the negative flow dynamics in centrifugal compressors, particularly with the consideration of vaned diffusers and volutes, can be found. This study aims to determine the compressor characteristics, including the negative flow rates of a centrifugal compressor, and to clarify the negative flow mechanism under the interaction of the volute, diffuser, and impeller. The last stage of a four-stage centrifugal compressor, including an internal volute, a vaned diffuser, and a closed impeller, was simulated under both positive and negative flow conditions using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The results show that the pressure ratio–negative flow characteristic is almost matched with a parabolic curve. At negative flow rates, the backflow generated on the hub and shroud sides in the impeller expands upstream and causes flow separation in the diffuser. The negative flow enters the impeller at a large incidence angle and results in jet-wall impingement on the pressure surface, flow spillage over the trailing edge, and flow separation near the suction surface. The impeller partially acts as a turbine impeller and performs negative work on the fluid. This work is of scientific significance to enrich the compressor aerodynamics in accident scenarios and of engineering value to improve the advanced design of compressor protection systems. 

Measurements of the Performance of an Air Turbine Stage at Positive and Negative Mass Flow and Rotational Speed (Four-Quadrant Characteristics)

Citations

Flow Fields in an Axial Flow Compressor During Four-Quadrant Operation

Numerical Investigation of Negative Flow Characteristics in a Centrifugal Compressor With Vaned Diffuser and Internal Volute

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