Session: 19-01 Applications 1

Paper Number: 120910

120910 - Aerodynamic Design of Refrigeration Compressor for Optimal Range and Efficiency 

There is an increasing trend in using oil-free Centrifugal Compressors in Refrigeration Chillers and Heat pumps for superior efficiency, lower maintenance, and reduced lifecycle costs. Centrifugal compressors for chiller application are subjected to wider operating range when compared to those used in many other applications. While numerous aerodynamic and numerical design tools are either commercially available or developed by specific manufacturers, designers face significant challenges in choosing appropriate design attributes and dimensions of flow path components, especially when additionally constrained by stagewise performance, bearings, rotordynamics, and overall layout.

This paper demonstrates how commercially available design and analyses tools are used to perform aerodynamic design and optimization of aerodynamic flowpath of a refrigeration Centrifugal compressor to enhance operating range and aerothermal efficiency while maintaining pressure ratio or chiller capacity within expected operating regime. Relevant details of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) design are shown along with some details of three-dimensional (3D) numerical (CFD) analysis. This paper also illustrates how selection of various components and overall layout influence design and aerodynamic optimization of the impellers. Numerical analysis is also performed to optimize axial thrust for pair of opposed configured impellers mounted on the same shaft. Moreover, the same numerical model provides superior insight about overall performance impact for the presence of shaft seals. Finally test results are shown to compare overall performance of the original and modified compressor at in-house test facility.

 

Presenting Author: Sudip Dey Copeland Corporation

Presenting Author Biography: Sudip Dey - Manager - Aerodynamics

Sudip is currently working as Aerodynamics Manager with Copeland Corporation, formerly known as Emerson Climate Technologies. Sudip is leading a team of Aerodynamics, Rotordynamics, and Structural Analyses Engineers for developing new Centrifugal Compressors for Chiller Application. Sudip is working with Copeland Corporation Since 2017.

Prior to joining in Copeland, Sudip worked with Siemens Energy, Bechtel Power Corporation, Voith Hydro, and ITT Corporation for over 20 years in multiple roles across engineering, product development and application engineering. Sudip worked in diverse areas of engineering such as design, aero/thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural analysis, performance assessment, and product strategy for developing New Products and Product Upgrades of Axial and Radial Turbomachinery used in Power, HVAC, and Oil & Gas sectors.

Authors:

Sudip Dey Copeland Corporation
Nitin Mule Copeland Corporation