Study on the optimal channel angle design of radial gas wave ejector with performance examination under varying operating conditions

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel type of GWE (named as DUT-R1) equipped with radial curved channels, which can enhance the energy transfer efficiency using centrifugal force. Through 3D simulation, the design method for the principal structural parameters was determined. The ejection rate (ξ) and total efficiency (ηT) of DUT-R1 with the optimal channel angles can reach 35.4% and 53.6%, respectively, which are 10.63% and 27.62% higher than those of pre-optimization model. Moreover, the shaft power consumption can also be decreased by 1.56 kW.A new experimental platform of DUT-R1 was established to validate simulation results and obtain the equipment application performance under different conditions. The device achieves its optimum performance under the design condition, proving the rationality of the angle design. The highest ηT and ξ can reach 49.5% and 29.75%, respectively. Moreover, the shaft power changes with the varying operating conditions, and the maximum variation within the experimental range is 0.81 kW. Compared to conventional axial-flow GWE, the ξ of DUT-R1 under its designed conditions can be enhanced by 15.38% to 30.43%, and the ηT experiences an increase of 6.52% to 28.95%. Furthermore, the DUT-R1 demonstrates an extended range of effective operating conditions.