Systematic Design Approach for Radial Blade Regenerative Turbomachines

Abstract

The fundamentals, geometry, hypothesis of operation, applications, design procedure, current performance, and future trends of regenerative flow compressors (RFCs) and pumps are discussed. It has been suggested that regenerative turbomachines overcome various shortcomings of positive displacement and centrifugal turbomachines and are very good choices under certain operating conditions. Application of regenerative pumps in automotive fuel pumping and application of regenerative compressors in microturbines is discussed. A mathematical model to analyze the complex fluid motion inside regenerative turbomachines is presented. Various sources of losses are identified and quantified. Governing equations and loss models are utilized to develop a performance prediction code fo rr egenerative turbomachines. Performance of a multistage RFC is predicted theoretically and compared with experimental data to validate the proposed model. The important geometric parameters affecting performance of regenerative turbomachines are listed. A design procedure for single- and multistage regenerative turbomachines with radial blades is proposed based on findings from theoretical analysis, experimental data available in literature, and analysis of existing regenerative turbomachine geometries. Several design criteria are established for the first time. The design procedure enables engineers working in regenerative turbomachinery to size various important dimensions of regenerative compressors and pumps. Finally, an overview of ongoing research and future direction is laid down.