A novel design philosophy for mixed flow compressor

Abstract

Mixed flow compressors are modified version of the centrifugal flow compressors and combine the advantages of axial and centrifugal flow compressors. The present work utilises a design methodology for the impeller of the mixed flow compressor such that it can work with an efficiency and mass flow rate close to axial flow compressor along with the pressure ratio per stage, resistance to foreign particles and ruggedness comparable to a centrifugal compressor. The focus is in understanding the various design philosophies and pick out one which best suits in accordance with available inputs and parameters. The design of the model is carried out in Ansys Bladegen. This is then meshed in Ansys Turbogrid and analysed in Ansys CFX. An analysis of flow in the impeller passage and the resulting parameters obtained are presented.