Session: 35-04 Fan, Compressor and Engine Noise 1

Paper Number: 122294

122294 - Preliminary Vibro-Acoustic Investigation of an Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor 

The demand for HVAC chiller systems in commercial centers is ever-increasing. Chillers with centrifugal compressor units produce high-frequency noise, a significant problem in the HVAC industry. The blade passing frequency is the primary noise source a centrifugal compressor generates. This paper aims to investigate the vibro-acoustic performance of an oil-free two-stage centrifugal compressor with magnetic bearings via numerical modeling. The noise source is obtained using the time-variant pressure data from unsteady RANS simulation of the aerodynamic parts of the compressor. The unsteady pressure data produced is integrated onto the corresponding solid domain of the compressor, and a harmonic response analysis is carried out to quantify the vibration energy transferred through the compressor system at specific engine orders. Finally, the far-field sound pressure level generated by the compressor is quantified for all engine orders in the hearing range of 20Hz to 20KHz. Additionally, experimental testing of the centrifugal compressor in an anechoic chamber is carried out to determine the sound pressure level and validate the numerical methodology. Results indicate that numerical results are in good agreement with the test data, indicating that unsteady RANS turbulence models are sufficient to predict the current application's tonal noise. A closer inspection of acoustic results reveals the impact of individual aerodynamic parts on the overall noise level. Also, results show the tonal noise generated primarily depends on the number of main blades and splitter blades of the impeller.

Presenting Author: Jin Yan Danfoss

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Jin Yan is the VP of technology and the Director of Aero-thermal Engineering in Danfoss Turbocor. He manages the new compressors aero design and technology development activities in Danfoss. His team has developed many compressors such as TGS490, TGS380, and VTCA400 for low GWP refrigerants. TGS490 and VTCA400 both won ASHRAE innovation awards. Before he joined Danfoss, Dr. Yan was the manager of combustion aero in GE. His team developed aircraft engine/Gas turbine designs and prototypes for GE aviation, GE power, and GE Oil & Gas. He worked as the worldwide turbomachinery expert for Ansys before GE. He got his PhD in turbomachinery from Durham University in England

Authors:

Karthik Krishna Danfoss
Tadeu Mendonca Fagundes Danfoss
Jin Yan Danfoss
Brenden Richman Danfoss
Ryan Dingman Danfoss