Effects of number of inlet guide vanes on the aerodynamic performance of a centrifugal compressor

Variable inlet guide vanes (VIGVs) are widely used for flow throttling and also extending the operating range of centrifugal compressors. Although there several studies on effects adding IGVs performance curve compressors, none them have focused number vanes. In current study, high-fidelity three-dimensional numerical simulations carried out to analyze VIGVs with different aerodynamic a single-stage compressor. The selected compressor prototype is high flowrate equipped vaned diffuser, designed fabricated by Siemens. Computational fluid dynamic performed three at IGV inclination angles 0, ?30 +45 degrees. results validated comparing pressure-rise curves available experimental data sheet, where good agreement was achieved. Results show that fully-open condition, does not considerable effect However, as angle increases, plays role in efficiency. For example, degree, increasing from 7 11 can increase maximum efficiency up 5 points. Numerical showed imposes higher pressure drop passage while generating more uniform velocity distribution suction surface impeller. Due existence counteracting effects, an optimum be found.