Numerical Simulation on the Influence of Inlet Flow Characteristics on the Performance of a Centrifugal Compressor

Although inlet bent pipes are usually adopted due to limited installation space, the influences of different bend on flow characteristics and performance centrifugal compressors still unclear. The numerical simulation a compressor is established validated by experimental results with case straight pipe. Then, internal 90-degree pipe (p90) Z-shaped (pz) simulated discussed. show that adoption two reduces certain extent, which more greatly pz, maximum reduction 6.82% in pressure ratio 14.83% efficiency, respectively. efficiency both increase increment distortion degree, maintains increasing trend as rate increases, degree p90 pz reaches 0.0351 0.0479, shows power–law relationship while an exponential it. at outlet section affect field distribution impeller, area ranges total axial velocity impeller near 72°–144° circumferential direction for p90, those close 108°–180° 288°–360°. When high enters large turbulent kinetic energy formed downstream channel, resulting loss.