Abstract
Variable inlet guide vanes (VIGVs) are most commonly used as the major control unit of integrally geared centrifugal compressors (IGCCs). In order to enhance the efficient operating range of the compressor, the loss mechanisms and utilization limits of state-of-the-art VIGVs need to be better understood. Field measurements in the wake of a typical, commercially used configuration were therefore conducted at the VIGV test facility of the Bundeswehr University Munich. The investigations were carried out at application oriented subsonic flow conditions and stagger angles from 50∘ to 90∘ covering the full low-loss operating range, including the limits of efficient operation. For a precise local loss characterization, an inflow correlation was developed and applied to consider total pressure inhomogeneities caused by the radial inflow velocity profile and minor circumferential velocity deviations. Contrary to previous research efforts, not only the profile losses, but also the secondary flow losses induced by the open blade tips and wall-blade interactions were resolved in full detail. For this reason, a more precise and comprehensive loss assessment of realistic VIGV cascades is acquired.
Highlights
Based on the international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the electricity supply is progressively governed by intermittent renewable resources like solar and wind energy
Unlike the previous investigations on linear cascades, the annular measurement section depicted in Figure 1b provides the formation of a complete flow pattern, including secondary flow effects caused by open blade tips or wall-blade interactions
The broadening of the wakes is considered to be driven by an increased mixing of the flow based on the elongated streamlines between the Variable inlet guide vanes (VIGVs) and the measurement plane with higher swirl, see Amecke [14]
Summary
Based on the international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the electricity supply is progressively governed by intermittent renewable resources like solar and wind energy. The power consumption is thereby established alongside the power supply to balance the electricity market as outlined by Gellings [1]. For energy intensive industries, this concept becomes interesting, as it is able to access the wholesale electricity markets. In such a way, price peaks can be avoided by market oriented production rates. A flexible electricity consumer could capitalize by providing a balancing reserve to the transition system operator as described by Häfner [2]
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