Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Galvas, M. R..
Upgraded engine delivers 100 hp in 3500 lb vehicle. Improved fuel economy is due to combined effects of reduced weight, reduced power-to-weight ratio, increased turbine inlet pressure, and improved component efficiencies at part power.
A centrifugal compressor was designed for a gas turbine powered automobile as part of the Energy Research and Development Agency program to demonstrate emissions characteristics that meet 1978 standards with fuel economy and acceleration which are competitive with conventionally powered vehicles. A backswept impeller was designed for the compressor in order to attain the efficiency goal range required for the objectives of this program. Details of the design and method of flow analysis of the compressor are presented.
Complete knowledge of compressor overall geometry and working fluid total inlet conditions is required for program's use. On given speed line, compressor performance is calculated for range of inlet velocity levels. Working fluid state conditions and flow properties are calculated using mean stream line one-dimensional analysis.
Program uses one-dimensional mean streamline analysis conducted at fixed stagnation conditions. Seven specific losses are calculated for each set of compressors geometric variables and inlet velocity diagram characteristics studied. Categories used as input information are compressor geometry, thermodynamic properties of working fluid, velocity diagram characteristics, and iteration limits.
A FORTRAN program for calculating the off-design performance of centrifugal compressors with channel diffusers is presented. Use of the program requires complete knowledge of the overall impeller and diffuser geometries. Individual losses are computed using analytical equations and empirical correlations which relate loss levels to velocity diagram characteristics and overall geometry. On a given speed line compressor performance is calculated for a range of inlet velocity levels. At flow rates between surge and choke, individual efficiency decrements, compressor overall efficiency, and compressor total pressure ratio are tabulated. An example case of performance comparison with a compressor built by a commercial engine manufacturer is presented to demonstrate the correlation with limited experimental data.
A computer program for predicting design point specific speed - efficiency characteristics of centrifugal compressors is presented with instructions for its use. The method permits rapid selection of compressor geometry that yields maximum total efficiency for a particular application. A numerical example is included to demonstrate the selection procedure.
Centrifugal compressor performance was examined analytically to determine optimum geometry for various applications as characterized by specific speed. Seven specific losses were calculated for various combinations of inlet tip-exit diameter ratio, inlet hub-tip diameter ratio, blade exit backsweep, and inlet-tip absolute tangential velocity for solid body prewhirl. The losses considered were inlet guide vane loss, blade loading loss, skin friction loss, recirculation loss, disk friction loss, vaneless diffuser loss, and vaned diffuser loss. Maximum total efficiencies ranged from 0.497 to 0.868 for a specific speed range of 0.257 to 1.346. Curves of rotor exit absolute flow angle, inlet tip-exit diameter ratio, inlet hub-tip diameter ratio, head coefficient and blade exit backsweep are presented over a range of specific speeds for various inducer tip speeds to permit rapid selection of optimum compressor size and shape for a variety of applications.