Performance investigation of a turbocharger compressor

The compressor section of a diesel locomotive turbocharger was re-designed to increase its maximum total-to-total pressure ratio and efficiency. Tests conducted on the prototype compressor showed possible rotating stall in the diffuser section before the designed higher pressure ratio could be achieved. It was decided to simulate the prototype compressor’s operation by using one-dimensional theory [1], followed by a three-dimensional CFD analysis of the compressor. This publication focuses on implementation of the impeller, vaneless annular passage and vaned diffuser one-dimensional theories. A verification process was followed to show the accuracy of the one- and three-dimensional modelling methods using two well-known centrifugal compressor test cases found in the literature [2–5]. Comparing the test case modelling results to available experimental results indicated sufficient accuracy to investigate the prototype compressor’s impeller and diffuser. Conclusions drawn on the prototype compressor’s performance using the one- and three-dimensional modelling methods led to a recommendation to redesign the impeller and diffuser of the prototype compressor.Copyright © 2012 by ASME

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