Improvement of the Parallel Compressor Model and Application to Inlet Flow Distortion

This paper introduces a semi-analytical approach which enables one to deal with distorted inflow in axial fans or compressors. It is inspired by the classical parallel compressor (PC) theory but relies on local flow-loading coefficient formalism. applied non-uniform flow conditions study aerodynamic behavior of low-speed fan response upstream distortion. Experimental measurements and 3D RANS simulations are used evaluate prediction performance obtained PC method. The comparison proves that, despite its simplicity, present correctly capture first order phenomena, offering interesting perspectives for an early design phase if different geometries be tested distortion maps available.