Influence of the Droplet Diameter on Compressor Rotor Performance under Constant Humidification

Abstract

Aiming at the near-clogging boundary condition of a certain type of transonic compressor rotor, a numerical simulation method is used to systematically study the influence of different droplet diameters on its performance under the condition of moisture content of 3%. The results show that humidifying the intake air of the transonic compressor near the blockage boundary can reduce the exhaust temperature, the mass flow rate, and the total pressure ratio. In the axial direction, the mass fraction of water vapor increases slowly and linearly under the large droplet condition, while the mass fraction of water vapor under the medium and the small droplet conditions presents a two-stage parabolic growth. The mass fraction of water vapor under the three conditions increases by 0.002, 0.0055, and 0.0072 from inlet to outlet, respectively. On the radial section with the axial span = 0.7, the difference in water vapor mass fraction between the shroud and the hub under the small droplet condition is 0.00329, and that under the medium and the large droplet condition are 46.81% and 27.96% of the small droplet condition. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the analysis of droplet evaporation at different positions in compressor near-plugging conditions.

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jinya Zhang

Jinya Zhang works at the China University of Petroleum, Beijing since 2012. He obtained his Ph.D. in Machinery Engineering at the China University of Petroleum, Beijing in 2010. He has published more than 20 papers in SCI/EI-indexed journals, has received 2 authorized invention patents, and has coauthored one textbook for graduate students. His main research interests include theoretical research on numerical simulation methods for micro-scale multiphase multi-component flow and heat transfer, hydraulic design, optimization, numerical simulation, and experimental research of fluid mechanics over-flow components such as multiphase pump and LNG pump.

Zhicheng Xue

Zhicheng Xue studies for a master’s degree at the China University of Petroleum, Beijing since 2021. He is familiar with the numerical simulation of rotating fluid machinery and has a certain basis for its internal flow theory.

Shantao Jia

Shantao Jia, an engineer, graduated from Huaxin College of Shijiazhuang University of Economics in 2012, mainly engaged in geology and mineral resources.

Ke Wang

Ke Wang works at the China University of Petroleum, Beijing since 2016. He received his Ph.D. degree in Power Engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2012. He has conducted postdoctoral research at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. He has published more than 10 journal publications He was selected for the Young Top Talent Program of China University of Petroleum, Beijing in 2017.

Yongxue Zhang

Yongxue Zhang works at the China University of Petroleum, Beijing since 2005. He received his Ph.D. in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics from Tsinghua University in 2005. He has published more than 100 scientific research papers, including 49 SCI-indexed papers and 61 EI-indexed papers. He currently serves as a reviewer of projects such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key Research and Development Program.