Centrifugal Compressor Stage Preliminary Aerodynamic Design and Component Sizing

Abstract

Procedures are presented for the preliminary aerodynamic design of centrifugal compressor stages. Methods for selecting the key aerodynamic and geometrical design parameters are based on actual stage design experience, supplemented by performance analysis results. Basic component geometry sizing procedures are presented for impellers, vaneless diffusers, vaned diffusers, crossover bends, return channels and volutes. The preliminary stage designs feature well matched components and practical component geometry. The stage geometry is defined in sufficient detail to permit evaluation by a mean streamline performance analysis and to provide the initial geometry for refinement by detailed aerodynamic design procedures. A preliminary stage design can typically be generated in a matter of minutes. Sample designs are evaluated with a performance analysis to demonstrate the close agreement between design objectives and predicted performance.