898 Thermal Engineering

CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR The impeller rotates inside the casing. The impeller
is usually forged or die casting of aluminium alloy.
The centrifugal compressors are dynamic action The centre of the impeller is called the eye. The
compressors. These compressors have appreciably eye of the impeller is connected with the drive shaft.
different characteristics as compared to reciprocat- The casing of the compressor has a volute shape. A
ing machines. A small change in compression ratio diffuser ring is housed in the radial portion of the
produces a marked change in compressor output casing.
and efficiency. Centrifugal machines are better
suited for applications requiring very high capaci-
ties, typically above 3000 m3/min and a moderate
As the impeller rotates, the air enters radially
pressure ratio of 4 to 6. They are preferred due to
into the impeller eye with low velocity V1 at
their simplicity, light weight and ruggedness.
atmospheric pressure p1. Due to centrifugal action
The centrifugal air compressor is an oil-free of the impeller, the air comes radially out and
compressor by design. The oil-lubricated running during its movement, it is guided by the blades
gear is separated from the air by shaft seals and at- within the impeller.
mospheric vents. It is a continuous duty compres-
The high velocity of the impeller increases the
sor, with few moving parts, and is particularly suit-
momentum of air, causing rise in static pressure,
ed to high volume applications, especially where
temperature and kinetic energy of air. The pressure,
oil-free air is required.
temperature and velocity of air leaving the impeller
are p2, T2 and V2 , respectively.
The air leaving the outside edge of the impeller
The basic components of a typical centrifugal enters into the diffuser ring where its kinetic energy
compressor includes an impeller, diffuser and is converted into pressure energy. Thus, the static
casing as shown in Fig. 26.6. The impeller is a pressure of air is further increased. The air is then
radial disc with a series of radial blades (vanes). collected in the casing and discharged from the
Tip
Impeller
compressor. The change in pressure and velocity
eye of air passing the impeller and diffuser passage are
Air in take Shaft
shown in Fig. 26.7.

In a centrifugal air compressor, the air enters the

(a) Impeller eye impeller radially and leaves axially. Hence the
Discharge
scroll
Air
flow

Impeller
Diffuser passages Blades

(b) Sectional view of centrifugal compressor

Fig. 26.7
Fig. 26.6
 Rotary Compressor 899

The work transfer per kg of air to centrifugal

compressor can also be obtained by using steady-
flow energy equation
Ê V2 V2 ˆ
q – w = ( h2 - h1 ) + Á 2 - 1 ˜ + Dpe
Ë 2 2 ¯
For centrifugal air compressor, q = 0,
Change in potential energy, D pe = 0;
Omitting the negative sign for work input, the
compresson work per kg of air
Ê V2 ˆ Ê V2 ˆ
w = Á h2 + 2 ˜ - Á h1 + 1 ˜
Ë 2 ¯ Ë 2 ¯
or w = (h02 – h01) = Cp (T02 – T01)
ÊT ˆ
= Cp T01 Á 02 - 1˜ ...(26.8)
Ë T01 ¯
The static state and stagnation state are shown in
Fig. 26.9. The stagnation temperatures T01 and T02
can be expressed as
g -1
Fig. 26.8 Êp ˆ g
T01 = T1 Á 01 ˜
Ë p1 ¯
g -1
blades are designed in such a way that the air enters Êp ˆ g
and leaves the blades without shock. T02 = T2 Á 02 ˜
Ë p2 ¯
Using usual notation, let
g -1
u1 = Blade velocity at inlet T02
and = Ê p02 ˆ g
Vr1 = Relative velocity of blades at inlet T01 ÁË p ˜¯
01
V1 = Absolute velocity of inlet air
Hence the work input to compressor per kg of
Vf1 = Inlet flow velocity air can be expressed as
a = Air inlet angle g -1
Ê ˆ
b = Blade angle at inlet Á Ê p02 ˆ g
w = Cp T01 Á - 1˜ ...(26.9)
u2, Vr2, V2, Vf2, q, and f are the corresponding Á Ë p01 ˜¯ ˜
ÁË ˜¯
values at outlet.
Work input per kg of air
w = u1Vw1 + u2 Vw2
Since the working fluid enters radially, i.e., a =
90°, thus Vw1 = 0
Hence work input by blade per kg of air
w = u2 Vw2 (J/kg) ...(26.6)
The above equation is known as Euler’s equation
or Euler’s work.
If m is the mass flow rate of air in kg/s, then
power input to compressor
Fig. 26.9
P = m u2 Vw 2 (Joules) ...(26.7)
900 Thermal Engineering

If V1 = V2, then stagnation pressure, p01 = air in the impeller, i.e.,

p1(static pressure) and p02 = p2, T01 = T1;
Vr12 - Vr22 u22 - u12
Ê g -1 ˆ D ke = + ...(26.16)
Ê 2 2
p2 ˆ g
w = Cp T1 Á Á ˜ - 1˜ ...(26.10)
Á Ë p1 ¯ ˜ The first term above Eq. (26.16) indicates the
ÁË ˜¯ pressure rise in the impeller due to diffusion action,
and the second term represents the pressure rise
in the compressor due to centrifugal action of the
impeller.
For constant mass flow rate of air, the width of the Total pressure rise in the compressor is equal to
blades of impeller can be calculated as follows: work input to the compressor.
AV1 \ degree of reaction
m = (Continuity equation) Pressure rise in the impeller
v1 Rd =
where v1 = specific volume air at inlet Pressure rise in the compressoor
A = p D1B1, with D1, diameter of impeller at Vr12 – Vr22u22 – u12
+ ( Vr2 – Vr22 ) + (u22 – u12 )
inlet and B1 as width of impeller blades at inlet. = 2 2 = 1
As air trapped radially, V1 = Vf1 u2 Vw2 2u2 Vw2

p D1 B1 (u22 - Vr22 ) + ( Vr12 - u12 )

\ m = Vf1 ...(26.11) or Rd = ...(26.17)
v1 2u2 Vw2
m v1 From the inlet velocity triangle of Fig. 26.8;
or B1 = ...(26.12)
p D1 Vf1 Vr12 – u12 = Vf21 = Vf22 (since Vf 1 = Vf 2 )
Similarly, the width of impeller blade at the ...(26.18)
outlet can be obtained by using the suffix 2 in From outlet velocity trinagle of Fig. 26.8;
Eq. (26.12) Vf22 + (u2 - Vw2 ) 2 = Vr22
m v2
B2 = ...(26.13) or Vr22 = Vf22 + u22 + Vw22 – 2u2 Vw2
p D2 Vf 2
or u22 – Vr22 = 2u2 Vw2 – Vf22 – Vw22 ...(26.19)
If the number and thickness of blades are
considered then the effective area of the blade will Using Eqs. (26.18) and (26.19) in Eq. (26.17),
be we get
A = p D – nt 2u2 Vw2 - Vf22 - Vw22 + Vf22
Rd =
where n = number of blades and t = thickness 2u2 Vw 2
of blade. Vw2
m v1 or Rd = 1 - ...(26.20)
Then B1 = ...(26.14) 2u2
(p D1 - nt ) Vf1
m v2
and B2 = ...(26.15)
(p D2 - nt ) Vf 2 Since the flow velocity remains constant at inlet and
outlet, therefore, the inlet and exit velocity triangles
can be drawn on the common base. Since air enters
The degree of reaction is defined as the ratio of at right angles to the impeller blade, thus the air
static pressure rise in the impeller to the total static inlet angle at the impeller is equal to 90°, i.e., a
pressure rise in the compressor. The pressure rise in = 90°. Combined velocity triangle for centrifugal
the impeller is equal to change in kinetic energy of compressor is shown in Fig. 26.10.
 Rotary Compressor 901

Fig. 26.11
Fig. 26.10

Procedure
Compressor
1. Draw a vertical line AB to represent the flow
velocity and it remains constant at inlet and The following losses occur in a centrifugal
exit. compressor, when air flows through the impeller:
2. The horizontal line CA represents the blade 1. Friction between moving air layers and
velocity u1 at inlet. impeller blades and friction between air
3. The line CB inclined at the blade angle b layers moving with relative velocities,
represents relative velocity Vr1 of blade at 2. Shock at entry, and
the inlet. 3. Turbulence caused in air.
4. The line DB inclined at blade angle f
represents the relative velocity Vr2 of the These losses cause an increase in enthalpy of air
blade at the outlet. without increasing the pressure of air. Therefore,
the actual temperature of air coming out of the
5. The line DE represents the blade velocity u2
compressor is more than the temperature of air
of impeller at outlet.
at the inlet. The actual work input for the same
6. Join the line EB. It represents absolute
pressure ratio is more due to irreversibilities. The
velocity V2 of air at the outlet inclined at
actual and isentropic compression for pressure ratio
angle q with respect to the horizontal.
is shown in Fig. 26.12.
From the combined velocity triangle, the work Since the cooling arrangement is not provided
input to the compressor per kg of air in dynamic compressors, the ideal compression
w = u2 Vw2 (J/kg)
Power input; P = m w = m u2 Vw2 (W)
If the air flow through the impeller blade is radial
(ideal case), the velocity diagram at the outlet takes
the shape as shown in Fig. 26.11.
In this case, the blade velocity at the outlet
becomes equal to whirl velocity at the outlet, i.e.,
u2 = Vw2. The work input per kg of air is
w = u 22 (J/kg) ...(26.21)
The exit whirl velocity Vw2 of air cannot be
greater than the blade tip velocity. Thus, it is the
limiting case and it is the maximum work supplied Fig. 26.12
to air per kg.
902 Thermal Engineering

process in dynamic compressors is isentropic Actual work input

compression. But the actual work input for fw =
Euler work input
compression is always more than isentropic work
input for compression through same pressure ratio. C p (T02 - T01 )
= ...(26.26)
The isentropic efficiency (hisen ) of a dynamic u2 Vw2
compressor is given by
Pressure coefficient is defined as the ratio of
Isentropic work input h02 s - h01 isentropic work to Euler work. It is designated as
hisen = =
Actual work input h02 - h01 f p.
...(26.22)
Isentropic work input
If specific heat Cp of air remains constant then fp =
Euler work input
T02 s - T01
hisen = ...(26.23) C p (T02 s - T01 )
T02 - T01 = ...(26.27)
u2 Vw2
If inlet velocity of air is equal to air exit velocity,
i.e., V1 = V2 then Using Eq. (26.23), and assuming radial vanes of
T -T impeller (u2 = Vw2), then
hisen = 2 s 1
T2 - T1
hisenC p (T02 - T01 )
Isentropic temperature rise fp = ...(26.28)
= ...(26.24) u22
Actual temperature rise
where suffix 1 indicates the inlet state, 2s indicates From Eq. (26.26), we get
the state after isentropic expansion, 2; the state after
Cp (T02 – T01) = fw u2 Vw2
actual expansion, and the properties with suffix 0
indicates corresponding stagnation properties. Substituting the Vw2 as fs u2 ; from Eq. (26.25),
we get
Cp (T02 – T01) = fw fs u22
A centrifugal compressor has maximum work input
Using in Eq. (26.28), we get;
when u2 = Vw2. In actual practice, the whirl velocity
Vw2 is always less than the blade tip velocity u2. The hisenfw f s u22
difference between blade tip velocity u2 and whirl fp = = fw fs hisen ...(26.29)
u22
velocity Vw2 is known as slip, i.e., slip = u2 – Vw2.
The slip factor is defined as the ratio of whirl
velocity to blade tip velocity. It is designated as fs
and expressed as There are usually three types of impeller blade
V shapes used in a centrifugal compressor. These are
Slip factor, fs = w2 ...(26.25)
u2
1. Backward curved blades (q < 90°)
2. Radial blades (q = 90°)
3. Forward curved blades (q > 90°)
The actual work done per kg of air by compressor
is always greater than the impeller work u2 Vw2 due Figure 26.13 shows the geometry of backward,
to fluid friction and windage losses. Work factor or radial and forward curved vanes and performance
power input factor is defined as ratio of actual work of these vanes. The centrifugal action on the curved
input to Euler work input. It is designated as fw and vanes creates bending moment and induces bending
is given as stresses.
 Rotary Compressor 903

radial vane impeller, the diffuser contributes about

one half of the overall static pressure rise.
A diffuser consists of curved vanes, which are
used to minimize the whirl of high speed air with
smallest possible flow path and diameter. The flow of
air through the diffuser vanes may be approximated
as logarithmic spiral path. For fast diffusion, the
axis of vanes is straight and tangential to spiral.
Usually, the number of diffuser passages are less
than the impeller passages for more uniform and
smooth flow.
Figure 26.14 shows a typical curved vanes
diffuser along with an impeller. The clearance
provided between the impeller and diffuser rings
acts as a vaneless diffuser and it functions to
Fig. 26.13
1. smooth out velocity variation betweem the
impeller tip and diffuser vanes
The pressure head of delivered air decreases 2. reduce circumferential pressure gradient at
with increase in mass-flow rate for backward the impeller tip
curved vanes, while the pressure head increases for 3. reduce the velocity at the entry of vanes
forward curved vanes. But for radial curved vanes,
Vaned
the pressure head of delivered air remains constant diffuser
with mass-flow rate.
The backward vanes are normally used with
q = 20° to 25°, except for delivery of air at high
head. The radial vane is the compromise between
Impeller
backward and forward curved vanes. Therefore,
the radial vane impeller is most commonly used
in a centrifugal compressor due to the following Diffuser vanes Diffuser passage
reasons: Fig. 26.14
1. Radial-vane geometry is simple, thus vanes
can be manufactures easily.
2. Radial vanes have lowest bending stress for At constant impeller speed, the decrease
given diameter and speed as compared to in pressure ratio leads to an increase in mass-flow
forward and backward curved vanes. rate and hence the density of compressed air is
3. Radial vanes have a constant pressure head decreased. Consequently, the radial velocity of air
in the impeller as well as in the diffuser. increases, which increases the absolute velocity of
4. A radial-vane impeller has good efficiency air at impeller exit and incidence angle at diffuser
and high pressure head. vane tip. The slope of the characteristic curve
decreases and finally the point A is reached as
shown in Fig. 26.15. The mass-flow rate of fluid
cannot be increased beyond the point A. This point
In a centrifugal compressor, the diffuser converts
is called choking state.
kinetic energy of air into static pressure head. For a
904 Thermal Engineering

Surging in the line causes unstable compressor

operation. Surging occurs when the operating points
of the compressor get into the unstable area of the
operating curve. During surging, the compressor
shows cyclic flow and back-flow of the compressed
air resulting into high vibrations, pressure shocks
and over heating. The breakdown of flow due to
persistent surging may lead to heavy damages.
Consequences of surging can
Fig. 26.15 include

1. Rapid flow and pressure oscillations causing

Consider a compressor is running at process instabilities
constant speed and the full valve is open on 2. Rising temperatures inside the compressor
delivery side at a pressure ratio located by the point 3. Tripping of the compressor
B on the characteristic curve shown in Fig. 26.15. 4. Mechanical damage
If any resistance is placed in the delivery path of a Mechanical damage can include
compressor, or by partial closing of the valve, the
mass-flow rate decreases with increase in pressure ÷ Radial bearing load during the initial
ratio, and the operating point will shift towards left phase of surging
on characteristic curve, say at the point C from the ÷ Thrust bearing load due to loading and
point B. unloading
If resistance is further increased in the delivery ÷ Seal rubbing
path, the mass-flow rate of air through the ÷ Stationary and rotating part contact, if
compressor decreases and the compressor operating thrust bearing is overloaded
point will shift toward left till it reaches the point
D, the operating point for maximum pressure ratio.
If resistance is further increased, the mass-flow
rate will decrease and reach the zone D–E on the
curve, with decrease in pressure ratio also. In this Sr. Reciprocating Centrifugal
situation, the pressure in downstream line will be No. Compressor Compressor
more than the pressure of air at the actual delivery 1. Geater noise and Compratively salient
of the compressor. This situation leads to a stop of vibrations operation
fluid flow and sometimes, flow of fluid in reverse 2. Poor mechanical Better mechanical
direction. efficiency due to large efficiency due to
Within a short interval of time, the pressure is sliding parts absence of sliding
built up within the compressor due to accumulation parts
of mass; and the compressor may again start to 3. Installation cost is Installation cost is
deliver the fluid. If downstream conditions remain higher lower
unchanged then fluid flow will again break down, as 4. Pressure ratio up to Pressure ratio up to 4
pressure of delivered air is subsidized and the cycle 5 to 8
will be repeated with high frequency. This situation
of instability is known as surging or pumping. Contd.
 Rotary Compressor 905

5. Higher pressure It is not suitable for Analysis The ratio of two specific heats
ratio up to 500 atm. multistaging Cp 1.00
g = = = 1.4
is possible with Cv 0.716
multistaging of The temperature of air after isentropic compression
compressor g -1 1.4 -1
6. It runs intermittantly It runs continuously Êp ˆ g Ê 2ˆ 1.4
T2s = T1 Á 2 ˜ = (300 K ) ¥ Á ˜
and delivers pulsating and delivers steady Ë p1 ¯ Ë 1¯
air and pulsating free air = 365.7 K
7. Less volume is Large volume is (i) Isentropic efficiency is given by;
handled handled
T2 s - T1 Isentropic temperature rise
8. More maintenance is Less maintenance is hisen = =
T2 - T1 Actual temperature rise
required required
365.7 - 300
= = 0.8423 or 84.23%
9. Weight of compressor Comparatively less 378 - 300
is more weight (ii) The power input for compression
P = mC p (T2 – T1) = 0.5 ¥ 1.0 ¥ ( 378 – 300)
10. It operates at low It operates at high
speed speed = 39 kW

11. Isothermal efficiency Isentropic efficiency Example 26.6 A centrifugal compressor compresses
should be better should be better air from 1 bar at 15°C to 2.15 bar, 95°C. The mass of air
12. Higher compression Higher compression delivered is 2.2 kg/s and no heat is added to the air from
efficiency at pressure efficiency, if pressure external sources during compression. Find the efficiency
ratio more than 2 ratio less than 2 of the compressor relative to ideal adiabatic compression
13. Suitable for low Suitable for high and estimate the power absorbed. Also, find the change in
discharge and high discharge and low entropy of air during compression.
pressure ratio pressure ratio
Solution
Example 26.5 In a centrifugal compressor, the air Given A centrifugal compressor with
enters at 27°C and leaves at 105°C. The air is compressed m = 2.2 kg/s p1 = 1 bar
through a pressure ratio of 2. Calculate the isentropic T1 = 15°C = 288 K p2 = 2.15 bar
efficiency and power required by the compressor, if 30 kg T2 = 95°C = 368 K Q =0
of air is compressed per minute. Take Cp = 1.00 kJ/kg ◊ K
and Cv = 0.716 kJ/kg ◊ K. To find
(i) Isentropic efficiency of the compressor,
Solution (ii) Power required to run the compressor,
Given A centrifugal compressor with (iii) Entropy change during compression process.
m = 30 kg/min = 0.5 kg/s Assumptions
p2
= 2.0
p1 For air Cp = 1.00 kJ/kg ◊ K
T1 = 27°C = 300 K g = 1.4 and R = 0.287 kJ/kg ◊ K
T2 = 105°C = 378 K
Analysis The temperature of air after isentropic
Cp = 1.00 kJ/kg ◊ K compression
Cv = 0.716 kJ/kg ◊ K g -1 1.4 -1
Êp ˆ g Ê 2.15 ˆ 1.4
T2s = T1 Á 2 ˜ = ( 288 K ) ¥ Á
Ë 1 ˜¯
To find
Ë p1 ¯
(i) Isentropic efficiency of the compressor, and
= 358.4 K
(ii) Power required to run the compressor.
906 Thermal Engineering

(i) Isentropic efficiency is given by

T2 s - T1 358.4 - 288
hisen = =
T2 - T1 368 - 280
= 0.880 or 80%
(ii) The power input for compression
In absence of change in kinetic and potential
energies and heat transfer, the steady-flow energy
equation for compressor leads to
win = h2 – h1 = Cp (T2 – T1) Fig. 26.16
= 1.005 ¥ ( 358.4 – 288)
= 70.75 kJ/kg The linear velocity of impeller at the outlet
The power input p D2 N p ¥ 0.5 ¥ 2000
P = mwin u2 = = = 52.36 m/s
60 60
= 2.2 ¥ 70.75 = 155.65 kW With the use of blade velocities and blade angles at the
(iii) Entropy change during compression process: inlet and outlet, the velocity triangle can be constructed
The entropy change during a process can be as follows:
obtained as (i) The horizontal line CA represents the blade
È ÊT ˆ Ê p ˆ˘ velocity u1 = 31.416 m/s at inlet.
D S = m ÍC p ln Á 2 ˜ - R ln Á 2 ˜ ˙
ÍÎ Ë T1 ¯ Ë p1 ¯ ˚˙ (ii) Draw line CB inclined at 22°.
È
(iii) From the point D, draw line DB inclined at angle
Ê 368 ˆ Ê 2.15 ˆ ˘
= 2.2 ¥ Í1.005 ¥ ln Á - 0.287 ¥ ln Á ˙ f = 40°; which cuts line CB at point B.
Î Ë 288 ˜¯ Ë 1 ˜¯ ˚
(iv) Draw a vertical line AB to represent the flow
= 0.586 kJ/K velocity.
(v) Draw the line DE to represent blade velocity u2 =
Example 26.7 A centrifugal compressor running
52.36 m/s.
at 2000 rpm has internal and external diameters of the
(vi) Join the line EB to represent exit velocity of air
impeller as 300 mm and 500 mm, respectively. The blade
V2.
angles at inlet and outlet are 22° and 40°, respectively.
The air enters the impeller radially. Determine the work From the velocity triangles, the measurements give
done by the compressor per kg of air and degree of Vw2 = Length of AE = 37.3 m/s,
reaction. Vr1 = Length of CB = 34.1 m/s,
Vr2 = Length of DB = 19.9 m/s.
Solution (i) Work input per kg of air
Given A centrifugal compressor with w = Vw2 u2 = 37.3 ¥ 52.36 = 1953.02 J/kg
N = 2000 rpm D1 = 300 mm = 0.3 m = 1.953 kJ/kg
b = 22° D2 = 500 mm = 0.5 m (ii) Degree of reaction;
f = 40° Pressure rise in the impeller
Rd =
To find Pressure rise in the compressoor
(i) Work input to the compressor, (u22 - Vr2 ) + ( Vr2 - u12 )
2 1
=
(ii) Degree of reaction. 2u2 Vw 2
Analysis The linear velocity of impeller at inlet (52.36 2 - 19.92 ) + (34.12 - 31.416 2 )
=
p D1N p ¥ 0.3 ¥ 2000 2 ¥ 52.36 ¥ 37.3
u1 = =
60 60 = 0.6455 or 64.55%
= 31.416 m/s
 Rotary Compressor 907

Example 26.8 A centrifugal compressor running Vr1 = Length of CB = 11 m/s

at 1440 rpm, handles air at 101 kPa and 20°C and Vr2 = Length of DB = 4.7 m/s
compresses it to a pressure of 6 bar isentropically. The Vf1 = 3 m/s
inner and outer diameters of the impeller are 14 cm and Work input per kg of air
28 cm, respectively. The width of the blade at the inlet is w = Vw2 u2 = 17.5 ¥ 21.12 = 369.6 J/kg
2.5 cm. The blade angles are 16° and 40° at entry and (i) Mass-flow rate of air
exit. Calculate mass-flow rate of air, degree of reaction,
m = r1 A1 Vf1 = r1 p D1 B1 Vf1
power input and width of blades at outlet.
Density of air
Solution p 101
r = 1 =
RT1 0.287 ¥ 293
Given A centrifugal compressor with
= 1.201 kg/m3
N = 1440 rpm D1 = 14 cm = 0.14 m
\ m = 1.201 ¥ p ¥ 0.14 ¥ 0.025 ¥ 3
b = 16° D2 = 28 cm = 0.28 m
= 0.0396 kg/s
f = 40° p1 = 101 kPa
(ii) Power input to run the compressor
p2 = 6 bar = 600 kPa T1 = 20°C = 293 K
P = m w = 0.0396 ¥ 369.6 = 14.61 W
B1 = 2.5 cm = 0.025 m
(iii) Degree of reaction
To find
(u22 - Vr2 ) + ( Vr2 - u12 )
(i) Mass flow rate of air, Rd = 2 1

(ii) Power input to the compressor, 2u2 Vw 2

(iii) Degree of reaction, and ( 21.122 - 4.72 ) + (112 - 10.56 2 )
=
(iv) Width of blade at outlet. 2 ¥ 17.5 ¥ 21.12
= 0.5864 or 58.64%
Assumption The specific gas constant as 0.287 kJ/kg ◊ K.
(iv) Width of blade at outlet
Analysis The linear velocity of impeller at the inlet Flow velocity at outlet
p D1N p ¥ 0.14 ¥ 1440 Vf2 = Vf1 = 3.0 m/s
u1 = = = 10.56 m/s
60 60 Temperature of air at the outlet
The linear velocity of impeller at the outlet g -1 1.4 -1
p D2 N p ¥ 0.28 ¥ 1440 Êp ˆ g Ê 600 ˆ 1.4
T2 = T1 Á 2 ˜ = 293 ¥ Á
u2 =
60
=
60
= 21.12 m/s
Ë p1 ¯ Ë 101 ˜¯
With the use of blade velocities and blade angles at = 487.48 K
inlet and outlet, the velocity triangle can be constructed Density of air at the outlet
as follows: p 600
r2 = 2 =
From the velocity triangles, the measurements give RT2 0.287 ¥ 487.48
Vw2 = Length of AE = 17.5 m/s = 4.288 kg/m3
From continuity equation;
m = r2 pD2 B2 Vf2
m 0.0396
or B2 = =
r2p D2 Vf 2 4.288 ¥ p ¥ 0.28 ¥ 3
= 0.0035 m = 3.5 mm

Example 26.9 A centrifugal compressor runing at

12000 rpm delivers 600 m3/min of free air. The air is
compressed from 1 bar and 27°C to a pressure ratio of
Fig. 26.17 4 with an isentropic efficiency of 85%. The blades are
radial at the impeller outlet and flow velocity of 60 m/s
908 Thermal Engineering

may be assumed throughout constant. The outer radius (ii) Power input to compressor
of the impeller is twice the inner one and slip factor is Work input per kg of air
0.9. Calculate w = Cp (T2 – T1) = 1.005 ¥ (471.52 – 300)
(a) Final temperature of air = 172.37 kJ/kg
(b) Power input to compressor Power input
(c) Impeller diameter at inlet and outlet P = mw = 11.61 ¥ 172.37 = 2001.3 kW
(d) Width of impeller at inlet (iii) Impeller diameters at inlet and outlet
For radial blades, the work input to compressor
Solution
with slip is given by
Given A centrifugal compressor with w = fs u 22 (J/kg)
N = 12000 rpm r2 = 2 r1 Using numerical values and equating with work
p1 = 1 bar = 100 kPa T1 = 27°C = 300 K obtained above
p2
=4 Vf1 = 60 m/s 0.9 ¥ u22 = 172.37 ¥ 103 (J/kg)
p1 It gives u2 = 437.63 m/s
hisen = 0.85 The linear blade velocity at impeller tip is given
V = 600 m3/min = 10 m3/s by
fs = 0.9 p D2 N
u2 =
60
To find
It gives impeller diameter at outlet
(i) Final temperature of air, 437.63 ¥ 60
(ii) Power input to the compressor, D2 =
p ¥ 12000
(iii) Impeller diameter at inlet and outlet, and = 0.6965 m or 69.65 cm
(iv) Width of impeller at inlet. Impeller diameter at inlet
The specific heat of air as 1005 J/kg ◊ K D 69.65
Assumption D1 = 2 =
and g = 1.4 2 2
= 34.825 cm
Analysis
(iv) Width of impeller at inlet, Eq. (26.12)
(i) Final temperature of air m v1 V
g -1 B1 = =
Êp ˆ g p D1 Vf1 p D1 Vf1
T2s = T1 Á 2 ˜
Ë p1 ¯ 10 m3/s
=
1.4 -1 p ¥ 0.34825 ¥ 60
= 300 ¥ ( 4) 1.4 = 445.79 K = 0.1523 m or 15.23 cm
The isentropic efficiency is given by
Example 26.10 A centrifugal compressor handles
T2 s - T1
hisen = 600 kg/min of air.The ambient air conditions are 1 bar
T2 - T1
and 27°C. The compressor runs at 18000 rpm with an
Final temperature of air is given by isentropic efficiency of 80%. The air is compressed in
T2 s - T1 the compressor from 1 bar static pressure to 4 bar total
T2 = + T1
hisen pressure. The air enters the impeller eye with a velocity
of 150 m/s with no prewhirl. Take the ratio of whirl speed
445.79 - 300
= + 300 to tip speed as 0.9. Calculate
0.85
(a) rise in total temperature during compression if
= 471.52 K or 198.52°C change in kinetic energy is negligible
The mass flow rate of air (b) tip diameter of impeller
pV 100 ¥ 10 (c) power required
m = = = 11.61 kg/s
RT 0.287 ¥ 300 (d) Eye diameter, if hub diameter is 10 cm
 Rotary Compressor 909

p02
Solution T 02 p2
Given A centrifugal compressor with 02s 2
T02
N = 18000 rpm Dh = 10 cm = 0.1 m T2 2s
p1 = 1 bar = 100 kPa T1 = 27°C = 300 K p01
p02 = 4 bar = 400 kPa V1 = 150 m/s

10 cm
Dh
p1

D2
Vw 2 01
= 0.9 hisen = 0.8 T01
u2
T1 1
m = 600 kg/min = 10 kg/s Vw1 = 0
s
To find
(i) Rise in total temperature of air, Fig. 26.18
(ii) Tip diameter of the impeller,
The isentropic efficiency in terms of stagnation
(iii) Power input, and
temperatures may be given as
(iv) Eye diameter.
T -T
hisen = 02 s 01
Assumption The specific heat of air as 1005 J/kg ◊ K T02 - T01
and g = 1.4 Actual rise in stagnation temperature is given by
Analysis T02 s - T01 134.6
T02 – T01 = =
(i) Rise in total temperature of air hisen 0.8
Stagnation temperature at the inlet of compressor = 168.25°C
V12 150 2
T01 = T1 + = 300 + (ii) Tip diameter of impeller, D2
2C p 2 ¥ 1005 Work input to compressor per kg of air
= 311.19 K w = Cp (T02 – T01) = 1.005 ¥ 168.25
The stagnation pressure at compressor inlet = 169.09 kJ/kg
g
Work input per kg of air to compressor is also
Ê T ˆ g -1
p01 = p1 Á 01 ˜ given by
Ë T ¯
1 w = u2 Vw2 (J/kg)
Ê Vw2 ˆ
1.4 or 169.09 ¥ 103 = 0.9 u 22 ÁË∵ u = 0.9˜¯
Ê 311.19 ˆ 1.4 -1 2
= (1 bar ) ¥ Á or u2 = 433.45 m/s
Ë 300 ˜¯
The blade velocity is given by
= 1.137 bar p D2 N
Stagnation temperature after isentropic compres- u2 =
60
sion u2 ¥ 60 433.45 ¥ 60
g -1
or D2 = =
pN p ¥ 18000
Êp ˆ g
T02s = T01 Á 02 ˜ = 0.4599 m ª 46 cm
Ë p01 ¯
(iii) Power input to compressor
1.4 -1
Ê 4 ˆ 1.4
P = mw = 10 ¥ 169.09 = 1690.9 kW
= 311.19 ¥ Á
Ë 1.137 ˜¯ (iv) Eye diameter, D1
The density of air at compressor inlet is given by
= 445.79 K
p 100
Isentropic rise in stagnation temperature r1 = 1 =
RT1 0.287 ¥ 300
= T02 s – T01
= 445.79 – 311.19 = 134.6°C = 1.161 kg/m3
910 Thermal Engineering

The mass-flow rate through impeller eye can be The stagnation pressure at compressor inlet
given by g

m =
p 2
4
(
D1 - Dh2 ¥ V1 ¥ r1 ) p01
Ê T ˆ g -1
= p1 Á 01 ˜
Ë T ¯
1
or 10 =
p 2
4
(
D1 - 0.12 ¥ 150 ¥ 1.161 ) 1.4
Ê 248.1ˆ 1.4 -1
= (0.23 bar ) ¥ Á
10 ¥ 4 Ë 217 ˜¯
or D1 = + 0.12 = 0.3675 bar
p ¥ 150 ¥ 1.161
The blade velocity at exit is given by
= 0.288 m = 28.8 cm
p D2 N
u2 =
Example 26.11 An aircraft engine is fitted with a 60
p ¥ 0.54 ¥ 15000
single-sided centrifugal compressor. The aircraft flies or u2 = = 424.11 m/s
with a speed of 900 km/h at an altitude, where the 60
The whirl velocity at exit
pressure is 0.23 bar and temperature is 217 K. The inlet
duct of the impeller eye contains fixed vanes, which gives Vw2 = fs u2 = 0.9 ¥ 424.11 = 381.7 m/s
the air prewhirl of 25° at all radii. The inner and outer The power input factor is given as
diameter of the eye are 180 and 330 mm, respectively. C p (T02 - T01 )
fw =
The diameter of the impeller tip is 540 mm and u2 Vw2
rotational speed is 15000 rpm. Estimate the stagnation The stagnation temperature at exit
pressure at compressor outlet when the mass flow rate is fw u2 Vw2
210 kg/ minute. T02 = + T01
Cp
Neglect losses in inlet duct and fixed vanes, and
assume that the isentropic efficiency of the compressor 1.04 ¥ 424.11 ¥ 381.7
= + 248.1
is 80%. Take slip factor as 0.9 and power input factor 1005
as 1.04. = 415.62 K
The isentropic efficiency in terms of stagnation
Solution temperatures may be given as
T -T
Given A single-sided centrifugal compressor of an hisen = 02 s 01
airfraft with T02 - T01
N = 15000 rpm Dh = 180 mm = 0.15 m Isentropic stagnation temperature at exit is given by
D1 = 330 mm = 0.33 m D2 = 540 mm = 0.54 m T02s = hisen(T02 – T01) + T01
p1 = 0.23 bar = 23 kPa T1 = 217 K = 0.8 ¥ (415.62 – 248.1) + 248.1
V1 = 900 km/h hisen = 0.8 = 382.11 K
m = 210 kg/min = 3.5 kg/s Stagnation pressure after compression
g
Vw2 Ê T ˆ g -1
fs = = 0.9 fw = 1.04 p02 = p01 Á 02 s ˜
u2 ËT ¯ 01
To find Stagnation pressure at compressor outlet. 1.4
Ê 382.11ˆ 1.4 -1
= 0.3675 ¥ Á
Assumption The specific heat of air as 1005 J/kg ◊ K Ë 248.1 ˜¯
and g = 1.4
= 1.667 bar
Analysis The velocity of air with reference to aircraft
900 ¥ 1000
V1 = = 250 m/s
3600
Stagnation temperature at the inlet of compressor Axial compressors are aerofoil (blade) based
V12 2
250 rotary compressors. The gas flows parallel to the
T01 = T1 + = 217 + = 248.1 K
2C p 2 ¥ 1005 axis of rotation in axial flow compressors and gas