Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-11-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:10:04Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ferreira_ad_me_ilha.pdf: 1079421 bytes, checksum: dcb82443da323ec46bf3bd207a17001c (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Devido à solubilidade mútua entre o fluido refrigerante e o fluido lubrificante usados em sistemas de refrigeração por compressão de vapor, eles formam uma mistura homogênea que influencia tanto os processos de transferência de calor no evaporador e no condensador, como os processos de lubrificação e de selagem de vazamentos no interior do compressor. O vazamento de refrigerante através da folga radial de compressores rotativos de pistão rolante é de particular importância para o bom desempenho do compressor, uma vez que ele influencia significativamente a eficiência volumétrica do compressor, chegando a somar cerca de 30% das perdas totais de refrigerante. No presente trabalho foram desenvolvidos modelos de escoamento de misturas óleo-refrigerante através desta folga, incluindo a mudança de fase do refrigerante devida à variação da sua solubilidade no lubrificante. A solução da equação da energia constitui uma evolução do processo de modelagem deste escoamento em relação aos modelos até então desenvolvidos. Quatro modelos diferentes foram usados para simular o escoamento: modelo de escoamento bifásico homogêneo isotérmico, modelo de escoamento bifásico isotérmico com formação de espuma, modelo de escoamento bifásico homogêneo não-isotérmico e modelo de escoamento bifásico homogêneo não-isotérmico com termo de força inercial. O estudo foi realizado para três misturas óleo-refrigerante: óleo éster Freol a10 e refrigerante R134a, óleo éster EMKARATE RL10H e refrigerante R134a e óleo mineral SUNISO 1 GS e refrigerante R12. Para todos os modelos e misturas, realizou-se um estudo paramétrico envolvendo as principais variáveis do problema: pressão de entrada, temperatura de entrada, vazão de mistura e valor da folga mínima... / Due to the mutual solubility between the refrigerant and lubricant of refrigeration systems using mechanical compression of vapor, they form a homogeneous mixture which influences the heat transfer processes in the evaporator and condenser as well as the compressor lubrication and refrigerant leakage. The refrigerant leakage through the radial clearance of rolling piston compressors plays an important role to the volumetric efficiency in this type of compressor, in which it represents about 30% of the total refrigerant loss. In the present work several models to predict the lubricant-refrigerant mixture flow through this clearance, including the refrigerant phase change due to the reduction of the refrigerant solubility in the lubricant, are developed. Four different models were developed to simulate the flow: isothermal homogeneous two-phase flow, isothermal two-phase flow with foam formation, non-isothermal homogeneous two-phase flow and non-isothermal homogeneous two-phase flow containing inertial force. The simulations were performed for three mixtures: ester oil Freol a10-refrigerant R134a, ester oil EMKARATE RL10H-refrigerant R134a, and mineral oil SUNISO 1 GS-refrigerant R12. The influences of the inlet pressure, inlet temperature, mixture mass flow rate, and minimal clearance were analyzed for all mixtures. The results showed that it is important to consider the foam formation, the inertial force, and the solution of the energy equation in the flow modeling. Concerning the volumetric efficiency of the compressor the ester oil Freol a10-R134a was the best mixture because it produced the lowest refrigerant leakage.

Orientador: José Luiz Gasche / Banca: André Luiz Seixlack / Banca: Odenir de Almeida / Resumo: O presente trabalho refere-se à investigação experimental e numérica do escoamento em difusores radiais, que são usados como modelos de representação de sistemas de válvulas de compressores de refrigeração. Uma bancada experimental é projetada, construída e validada para medir a distribuição de pressão, sobre o disco frontal de um difusor radial de razão de diâmetro 3, para números de Reynolds de 1500 a 9000 e afastamento entre os discos frontal e anterior variando de 0,415mm a 0,705mm aproximadamente. Paralelamente, desenvolve-se um código computacional, baseado na metodologia de Volumes Finitos para malhas desencontradas, para simular o escoamento na geometria do difusor radial. O código computacional é primeiramente validado por meio dos resultados experimentais obtidos da bancada construída. Após sua validação, o código é usado para analisar o escoamento em um difusor de razão de diâmetro igual a 1,4, para números de Reynolds variando de 500 a 2500 e afastamento entre discos na fixa de 0,125 a 1,0mm. Os resultados numéricos mostram o surgimento de recirculação extendendo-se em toda região do difusor. Além disso, os resultados de perfil de pressão sobre o disco frontal fornecem forças e quedas totais de pressão no difusor que aumentam com o número de Reynolds e afastamento entre disco. Esse comportamento produz um ponto de mínima área efetiva de força localizado na faixa de , para números de Reynolds variando de 500 a 1500. Para número de Reynolds mais elevados, , a área efetiva de força sempre aumenta com o aumento do afastamento entre discos. A área efetiva de escoamento, outro parâmetro de interesse para a simulação do compressor, apresenta um crescimento linear com o afastamento entre discos, independentemente do número de Reynolds avaliado. / Abstract: In this work, an experimental and numerical investigation of the flow in radial diffusers representing the valve system of refrigeration compressor is accomplished. An experimental bench is designed, build, and validated allowing the measurement of the pressure distribution on the frontal disk surface of a radial diffuser with diameter ratio equal to 3, for Reynolds number varying from 1500 to 9000 and distances between disks in the ranges of 0.415 to 0.705mm. In addition, a computational code based on the Finite Volume Methodology for staggered mesh is developed in order to simulate the flow though the radial diffuser. The computational code is firstly validated by using the experimental data obtained from the experimental bench. After its validation, the code is used for analyzing the flow through a radial diffuser with diameter ratio equal to 1.4, for Reynolds numbers varying from 500 to 2500 and distance between disks in the range of 0.125 a 1.0 mm. The numerical results showed recirculation regions extending through the whole diffuser for the majority of the analyzed cases. The pressure profiles on the frontal disk surface produce forces and total pressure drops through the diffuser that increase with both Reynolds number and distance between disks. There is a minimum effective force area in the range of , for Reynolds numbers varying from 500 a 1500. For higher Reynolds numbers, , the effective force area always increases for increasing distance between disks. The effective flow area, another parameter used for simulating the compressor, increases linearly with the distance between disks, independently of the Reynolds number. / Mestre

Ce travail de thèse, mené dans le cadre d’une convention CIFRE entre Snecma, le CERFACS et le LMFA, s’inscrit dans un contexte d’amélioration des performances et d’extension de la plage de fonctionnement des compresseurs de type axial équipant les turboréacteurs. L’une des principales difficultés rencontrée dans cette démarche concerne la maîtrise des écoulements dans la zone de jeu en tête des aubes rotors et qui peuvent entraîner une perte de stabilité du système (pompage et décollement tournant).Une solution technologique prometteuse pour améliorer la stabilité est le traitement de carter qui consiste en un dispositif passif complexe de fentes implantées au carter au droit des rotors. En vue d’en améliorer sa conception, les travaux de thèse visent plus particulièrement à approfondir la compréhension des mécanismes d’action grâce à une approche numérique CFD avec le code elsA développé par l’ONERA et le CERFACS, en modélisation stationnaire et instationnaire. Ces travaux s’articulent autour de trois axes principaux. Le premier a eu pour objectif de développer un outil numérique d’aide à la compréhension des mécanismes d’action des traitements de carter et de diagnostic de leur efficacité. Le principe de l’outil, qui est une extension du modèle initialement proposé par Shabbir et Adamczyk, repose sur une évaluation des contributions des termes des équations de Navier-Stokes stationnaires et instationnaires sur un volume de contrôle pris dans l’écoulement. Dans le cas pratique, cela revient à quantifier les efforts appliqués sur le fluide. Le second axe traite de l’analyse des mécanismes d’action des traitements de carter axisymétriques dans deux compresseurs axiaux : l’un subsonique à carter cylindrique (CREATE) et l’autre transsonique à carter conique (NASA Rotor 37). Les enseignements de cette étude indiquent que ce type de géométrie est marqué par son effet d’aspiration de fluide dans la veine. Ce mécanisme est d’autant plus amplifié par un phénomène d’interaction complexe des fentes avec l’écoulement de jeu et la proximité de l’intrados de l’aube adjacente. Cette partie s’est également attardé à la réponse des rainures à un phénomène instationnaire de type sillage de roue amont. Les résultats ont montré que les fentes amortissent les fluctuations de gradient de pression adverse. Le troisième axe porte sur l’analyse des mécanismes des traitements de carter non-axisymétriques à travers l’étude numérique d’un cas test transsonique à carter cylindrique (CBUUA). Le mécanisme d’action améliorant la stabilité de la machine tient en la capacité des fentes à limiter la migration dans la direction circonférentielle du vortex de jeu. Les résultats montrent que ce type de géométrie est caractérisé par son effet de réinjection d’air qui vient ré-énergétiser l’écoulement proche carter. / This thesis work, conducted as part of a CIFRE agreement between Snecma, CERFACS and LMFA, deals with the context of improving performance and extending the operating range of axial compressors fitted turbojets. One of the main difficulties in this approach is the flow control in the rotor tip region, which can cause the loss of the system stability (surge and rotating stall). A promising technology known to bring substantial stability is the casing treatment. This passive control device consists of slots of complex geometry within the rotor casing. In order to improve its design, the thesis aimed specifically at improving the understanding of their mechanisms through a numerical approach using the CFD code elsA developed by ONERA and CERFACS, with steady and unsteady approaches. This work focused on three main axes. The first concerns the development of a numerical tool to support the understanding of casing treatment mechanisms and the diagnosis of their efficiency. The principle of the tool, which is an extension of the model originally proposed by Shabbir and Adamczyk, is based on an assessment of the contributions of the terms of the steady and unsteady Navier-Stokes equations on a control volume taken in the flow. In practice, this permits to quantify the forces applied to the fluid. The second axis deals with the analysis of the flow mechanisms induced by axisymetric casing treatments in two axial compressors : one subsonic with a cylindrical casing (CREATE) and the other transonic with a conical casing (NASA Rotor 37). The findings of this study indicate that this type of geometry is characterized by its bleeding effect. This mechanism is further amplified by a complex phenomenon of interaction between grooves, tip leakage vortex and the proximity to the pressure side of the adjacent blade. This part has also dwelt on the groove’s response to unsteady upstream stator wakes. The results showed that the slots are able to damp fluctuations of adverse pressure gradient. The third area concerns the analysis of the flow mechanisms induced by non-axisymmetric casing treatment through the numerical study of a transonic compressor with cylindrical casing (CBUUA). The mechanism leading to an enhancement of the stability results in slots ability to limit the migration in the circumferential direction of the tip leakage vortex. The results show that this type of geometry is characterized by its effect of re-injection of fluid that comes re-energize the near casing flow.

Dans le domaine de la recherche appliquée, les turbomachinistes sont confrontés à un manque de compréhension de la physique du décollement de coin. Ce décollement tridimensionnel (3D) à la jonction de l’extrados des aubages et du moyeu limite l’efficacité et la stabilité des compresseurs. Les simulations numériques utilisant les deux types de modélisations, « Reynolds-Averaged-Navier-Stokes » (RANS) et « Large Eddy Simulation » (LES), doivent encore être étalonnées pour des applications turbomachines. Dans la recherche fondamentale concernant la couche limite turbulente (TBL), il existe beaucoup d’études sur les effets de courbure et de gradients de pression qui jouent également un rôle important dans la physique du décollement de coin. Le but de cette thèse est de réaliser une expérience dans une grille d’aubes de compresseur pour acquérir une base de données qui pourrait être utilisée non seulement pour calibrer à la fois les approches RANS et LES, mais aussi pour donner quelques explications fondamentales sur le décollement de coin. Cette expérience permet aussi une étude de la TBL se développant sur l’extrados à mi-envergure des aubages, qui est plus complexe que les TBL rencontrées dans des configurations plus fondamentales, mais plus simples que celles existant d’un turboréacteur. Une expérience précise et détaillée de l’écoulement 3D au passage d’une grille d’aubes de compresseur a été mis en place. Les mesures ont été réalisées pour un nombre de Reynolds basé sur les conditions d’entrée et la corde de l’aubage de 3,82×105. Des mesures ont été réalisées par anémométrie à fil chaud, par des prises de pression sur la paroi latérale et sur l’aubage, par une sonde de pression à cinq trous, par de la visualisation d’huile, par la Vélocimétrie par Images de Particules (PIV) 2D, ainsi que par Anémométrie Laser Doppler (LDA) à deux composants. Une base de données originale et complète a ainsi été obtenue. Concernant l’étude de la TBL sur l’extrados à mi-envergure , le gradient négatif de pression normal à la paroi retarde le décollement, ce qui est paradoxal avec son influence sur le décollement de coin tel que présentée dans la littérature. Le gradient de pression adverse dans la direction de l’écoulement est responsable de l’accroissement des tensions de Reynolds. Un phénomène remarquable proche du bord de fuite de l’aubage est qu’il existe un point d’inflexion dans le profil de la vitesse moyenne de l’écoulement. A ce point d’inflexion, les grandeurs des tensions de Reynolds atteignent leurs valeurs maximales et la direction de diffusion de l’énergie est inversée. Le champ de vitesse dans le décollement de coin a été présenté. L’expérience met en évidence l’existence d’histogrammes bimodaux de vitesse. Les points de mesures faisant apparaitre ce caractère bimodal sont essentiellement localisés dans la région de l’interface du décollement de l’écoulement moyenné en temps. Deux modes ont été proposés pour interpréter la physique du comportement bimodal. Pour un point bimodal, les deux composantes de vitesse sont localement non-indépendantes, en raison de l’interaction apériodique de ces deux modes. / In applied research, a lack of understanding of corner stall, i.e. the three-dimensional (3D) separation in the juncture of the endwall and blade corner region, which has limited the efficiency and the stability of compressors. Both Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and large eddy simulation (LES) still need to be calibrated for turbomachinery applications. In the fundamental research of the turbulent boundary layer (TBL), there are a lot of findings of the effects of curvature and pressure gradients, which also play an important role in physics of corner stall. The purpose of this thesis is (i) to carry out an experiment in a cascade, (ii) to gain a database that could be used to calibrate both RANS and LES, and (iii) to give some basic explanations of corner stall through investigating the TBL on the suction side at the mid-span which is more complex than those in the basic investigations but simpler than those in a real engine. A detailed and accurate experiment of 3D flow field through a linear compressor cascade has been set up. Experimental data were acquired for a Reynolds number of 3.82×10 ^5 based on blade chord and inlet flow conditions. Measurements have been achieved by hot-wire anemometry, pressure taps on blade and endwall, five-hole pressure probe, oil visualization, 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV),and two-component laser Doppler anemometry (LDA). An original and complete database was thus obtained. The TBL on the suction side at mid-span was investigated. The wall-normal negative pressure gradient restrains the separation, on the contrary to its influence in the corner stall. The streamwise adverse pressure gradient can be responsible for the development of Reynolds stresses. The remarkable phenomenon at measurement stations near the trailing edge of blade is that an inflection point occurs in each profile of the mean streamwise velocity. At this inflection point, the magnitudes of the Reynolds stresses reach their maximum values, and the direction of energy diffusion also changes. The velocity field in the corner stall was presented. Bimodal histograms of velocity exist in the experiment. The bimodal points mainly appear in the region around the mean interface of separated flow and non-separated flow. At a bimodal point the local two velocity components are non-independent from each other, due to the aperiodic interplay of two basic modes in the flow field. Two modes were proposed to interpret the physics of bimodal behaviour.

Pour les compresseurs axiaux et centrifuges, la minimisation du jeu, entre l’extrémité des aubes et le carter qui les entoure, augmente l’efficacité aérodynamique des turbomachines mais favorise également l’apparition de contacts structuraux. En présence du contact, les deux structures échangent de l’énergie et le système peut devenir instable lorsque ses fréquences propres, exprimées dans le même repère, sont égales. Nous verrons qu’il existe également la possibilité de créer des réponses forcées lorsque les harmoniques de la vitesse de rotation coïncident avec les fréquences propres de la structure fixe ou tournante. Dans les deux cas, les structures peuvent subir des endommagements assez importants. La maitrise de l’interaction aube-carter est donc logiquement un phénomène que les constructeurs de turbomachines doivent intégrer lors de la définition d’un moteur. Ainsi, dans l’étape de conception des compresseurs, il faut prévoir le comportement vibratoire du système en prenant en compte les phénomènes physiques les plus influents. Dans ce contexte, ce travail de recherche est focalise sur l’étude du comportement mécanique et thermomécanique résultant de l’interaction aube-carter entre un compresseur centrifuge (ou rouet) expérimental du premier étage de compression d’un moteur d’hélicoptère et son couvercle qui est recouvert d’un matériau abradable afin de réduire la sévérité du contact. L’objectif majeur des travaux présentes dans ce manuscrit est d’établir un scénario plausible pour expliquer les divers phénomènes présents lors du contact et de créer une base de données expérimentales, dans un environnement de laboratoire au travers d’un essai réaliste et maitrisé. Puis, il s’agit de confronter et valider les interprétations expérimentales sur un modèle numérique. Pour atteindre nos objectifs, nous avons utilisé un dispositif d’essai adapté afin de fournir des données fiables sur le comportement dynamique et thermomécanique en situation de contact aube-carter. L’analyse des résultats expérimentaux et numériques montre des évènements transitoires concomitants entre la structure fixe et tournante. Le contenu spectral des réponses est caractérise par la présence d’harmoniques de la vitesse de rotation et de sidebands, qui influencent le comportement dynamique du système lorsqu’ils coïncident avec les fréquences propres des structures. / In axial and centrifugal compressors, minimizing the clearance between the blade tips of the impeller and its surrounding casing increases the aerodynamic efficiency, but also the probability of contacts. An energy exchange is then produced between the two structures, leading to forced excitation of the natural modes and potentially to dynamical instabilities, such as interaction phenomena. In both cases, the structures suffer subsequent structural damages. Mastering blade-to-casing interactions is thus a phenomenon that turbomachinery manufacturers must incorporate into the design process of an engine. Compressor designers must predict the vibration behavior of the system, taking into account the predominant physical phenomena. In this context, this work focuses on the study of the dynamic and thermomecanichal behavior resulting from blade-to-casing interactions between a low-pressure centrifugal compressor (or impeller) and a casing lined with abradable coating. The main purpose of this work is to build a likely scenario to explain the various phenomena present when contact occurs, and the creation of a database for subsequent comparisons with numerical simulations. To achieve this, a test rig heavily instrumented has been used in order to better understand the influence of various physical phenomena (dynamic, wearing, heating). Analysis of experimental and numerical results shows transient events, characterized by a simultaneous increase in amplitude on both the rotating and stationary structures. The spectral content of the response highlights the presence of harmonics of the rotating speed and some sidebands aside from the main excited frequencies, which may cause the system to become unstable when they coincide with the natural frequencies of structures.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This master thesis presents a sensorless speed control drive of Brushless DC motors used in reciprocating compressors. These compressors cause periodic load torque variations on the motor, consequently mechanical vibrations and acoustic noise are presented as well. As a result, a discrete speed controller based on the internal model principle is proposed. This controller aims to track the speed reference and to reduce the periodic torque disturbances caused by the compressor. The proposed controller consists of a rotor position and speed estimator, and a discrete speed controller with variable sampling frequency that depend on the rotor speed. The discrete estimator is based on the zero crossing point detection of the back-electromotive force. This method is optimized by using a Least Squares algorithm. The speed controller consists of two control actions, repetitive and proportional-derivative actions. In order to complement the drive system operation, a new procedure to start a BLDCM with current control is proposed. This technique ensures the maximization of the electromagnetic torque during startup and to avoid demagnetization of the permanent magnet by the stator current. Finally, simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the techniques adopted, as well as the main advantages, disadvantages and operational limitations of the experimental implementation. In addition, the performance of the load torque rejection is evaluated by comparing the harmonic spectrum of the torques produced by the proposed speed controller and a PI controller. / Esta dissertação apresenta um sistema de acionamento e controle de velocidade sensorless para motores Brushless DC utilizados em compressores alternativos. Estes compressores provocam variações periódicas de carga sobre o motor causando vibrações mecânicas e ruído acústico. Em vista disso, um controlador discreto de velocidade baseado no princípio do modelo interno é proposto. Este controlador visa o rastreamento assintótico de uma velocidade de referência e a redução dos distúrbios cíclicos de conjugado provocados pelo compressor. Para isso, o sistema proposto é constituído por um estimador discreto da posição e da velocidade do rotor, e um controlador discreto de velocidade com frequência de amostragem variável em função da velocidade de rotação. O estimador discreto baseia-se na deteção do cruzamento da força contra-eletromotriz por zero, a qual é otimizada por meio de um algoritmo de Mínimos Quadrados. O controlador de velocidade é composto por duas ações de controle, uma ação repetitiva e uma proporcionalderivativa. De forma a complementar a operação do sistema de acionamento, um novo procedimento de partida com controle de corrente é proposto para o BLDCM. Este procedimento possibilita a maximização do conjugado eletromagnético do motor durante a partida e ainda evita a desmagnetização dos ímãs pela incidência de altas correntes estatóricas. Por fim, resultados de simulação e experimentais são apresentados para demonstrar o desempenho das técnicas adotadas, assim como as principais vantagens, desvantagens e limitações operacionais da implementação experimental. Além disso, a performance da rejeição parcial do conjugado de carga é avaliada com a comparação do espectro harmônico dos conjugados produzidos pelo controlador de velocidade proposto e por um controlador proporcional-integral.

This diploma thesis describes the design of a suitable filling turbocharger for gasoline engine Honda 1.98L. Includes professional research existing systems used for charged gasoline engines. Another part is a calculation to determine the correct parameters of the compressor and turbine. At the end is a simulation of selected turbocharger and engine work together using GT Power software simulation.

This research aims to assess the causes of inefficient and unstable operation of centrifugal compressors and turboexpanders in process gas applications in order to provide a solution for performance restoration and enhancement. It encompasses thermodynamic and flow evaluations to examine the efficiency and operating range improvement options of new units. Besides, this work is complemented by a technoeconomic analysis to provide a rounded outcome from these studies. In order to achieve the desired objectives, a novel integrated approach has been developed to assess the design and performance of multi-stage centrifugal compressors. The proposed systematic methodology involves five basic elements including evaluation of compressor selection, compressor sizing and casing structure, performance prediction at the design and off-design conditions, modelling of efficiency and head deterioration causes; and stage design evaluation. This will contribute towards evaluating the geometrical parameters of the new units’ designs at the early preliminary design phase, and thus, will be useful to identify the options for efficiency and operating range enhancements. For installed units, this approach can be implemented to assess the cause of inefficient and unstable operation by assessing the available operation data. A method was developed to predict the performance curve of multi-stage centrifugal compressor based on a stage stacking technique. This approach considers the advantages of Lüdtke and Casey-Robinson methods with an incorporation of a methodology for compressor selection and sizing to generate more accurate results. To emphasize the validity of the developed model, it has been evaluated for both low and high flow coefficient applications. The obtained results show a significant improvement in the estimated efficiency, pressure ratio, shaft power and operating range as compared with the existing methods. The centrifugal compressor is designed to run under various operating conditions and different gas compositions with the primary objective of high efficiency and reliability. Therefore, a new iterative method has been developed to predict the equivalent compressor performance at off-design conditions. This technique uses the performance parameters at design conditions as a reference point to derive the corresponding performance characteristics at numerous suction conditions with less dependency on the geometrical features. Through a case study on a gas transport centrifugal compressor, it was found that the developed approach can be applied for design evaluation on the expected variation of working conditions, and for the operation diagnosis of installed units as well. Furthermore, a parametric study has been conducted to investigate the effect of gas properties on the stage efficiency, surge margin, and compressor structure. The obtained results support the need for considering the gas properties variation when the off-design performance is derived. To evaluate the impact of internal blockage on the performance parameters, this study proposed an approach to model the effect of non-reactive deposits, which has been qualified using four operation cases and the obtained results are compared with the internal inspection findings from the stage overhauling process. This also covers the influential aspects of flow blockage on the technical and economic values. Since the main challenge here is to analyze the process gas composition in real time, the influences of the non-reactive deposits have been compared with the effect of the unanticipated gas composition change. Subsequently, it has turned out that the pressureratio parameter is not enough to assess the possibility of flow blockage and unexpected gas properties change. Moreover, it was observed that the stage discharge pressure was more sensitive to the fouled aftercooler comparing with suction and internal blockage. However, the effect of contaminated aftercooler on the surge point and discharge pressure and temperature of the upstream stage was found greater than its impact on the shaft power. Thus, a substantial surge margin reduction was detected when the first stage was operating with a fouled aftercooler comparing with the measured reduction as a result of unanticipated gas properties change. Furthermore, a larger pressure ratio drop was measured in the case of liquid carryover which revealed a more significant impact of the two phases densities difference comparing with the gas volume fraction (GVF) effect. The possibility of hydrate formation has been assessed using hydrate formation temperature (HFT) criteria. Additionally, this research highlights a number of challenges facing the selection of typical centrifugal stage design by assessing the contribution of design characteristics on the operating efficiency and stable flow range. Besides, an empirical-based-model was established to select the optimum impeller and diffuser configurations in order to make a compromise decision based on technical and economic perspective. It was concluded that there is no absolute answer to the question of optimum rotor and stator configuration. The preliminary aerothermodynamic evaluation exposed that the selection of the optimum impeller structure is governed by several variables: stage efficiency, pressure loss coefficient, manufacturing cost, required power cost, resonance frequency and stable operating range. Hence, an evaluation is required to compromise between these parameters to ensure better performance. Furthermore, it was argued throughout this study that the decision-making process of the typical stage geometrical features has to be based upon the long-term economic performance optimization. Thus, for higher long-term economic performance, it is not sufficient to select the characteristics of the impeller and diffuser geometry based on the low manufacturing cost or efficiency improvement criterion only. For turboexpanders, a simple and low cost tool has been developed to determine the optimum turboexpander characteristics by analysing the generated design alternatives. This approach was used in designing a turboexpander for hydrocarbon liquefaction process. Moreover, since the turboexpanders are expected to run continuously at severe gas conditions, the performance of the selected turboexpander was evaluated at different inlet flow rates and gas temperatures. It has turned out that designing a turboexpander with the maximum isentropic efficiency is not always possible due to the limitations of the aerodynamic parameters for each component. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the stage geometrical features prior the construction process to compromise between the high capital cost and the high energetic efficiency.

Designing turbines for either aerospace or power production is a daunting task for any heat transfer scientist or engineer. Turbine designers are continuously pursuing better ways to convert the stored chemical energy in the fuel into useful work with maximum efficiency. Based on thermodynamic principles, one way to improve thermal efficiency is to increase the turbine inlet pressure and temperature. Generally, the inlet temperature may exceed the capabilities of standard materials for safe and long-life operation of the turbine. Next generation propulsion systems, whether for new supersonic transport or for improving existing aviation transport, will require more aggressive cooling system for many hot-gas-path components of the turbine. Heat pipe technology offers a possible cooling technique for the structures exposed to the high heat fluxes. Hence, the objective of this dissertation is to develop new radially rotating heat pipe systems that integrate multiple rotating miniature heat pipes with a common reservoir for a more effective and practical solution to turbine or compressor cooling. In this dissertation, two radially rotating miniature heat pipes and two sector heat pipes are analyzed and studied by utilizing suitable fluid flow and heat transfer modeling along with experimental tests. Analytical solutions for the film thickness and the lengthwise vapor temperature distribution for a single heat pipe are derived. Experimental tests on single radially rotating miniature heat pipes and sector heat pipes are undertaken with different important parameters and the manner in which these parameters affect heat pipe operation. Analytical and experimental studies have proven that the radially rotating miniature heat pipes have an incredibly high effective thermal conductance and an enormous heat transfer capability. Concurrently, the heat pipe has an uncomplicated structure and relatively low manufacturing costs. The heat pipe can also resist strong vibrations and is well suited for a high temperature environment. Hence, the heat pipes with a common reservoir make incorporation of heat pipes into turbo-machinery much more feasible and cost effective.

No description available.