Improvement of the Volumetric and Isentropic Efficiency Due to Modifications of the Suction Chamber

The flow of gas in the suction chamber of an air brake compressor was analyzed, and losses due to pressure drop and heat transfer were identified by CFD simulations. Based on the results of the calculations the geometry of the suction chamber was modified to investigate possible improvements. Due to simple design modifications the flow direction of the gas was changed, which resulted in a reduction of heat transfer and probably also in pressure drop. Compared to the original construction the modified design brought a measured improvement of the volumetric and isentropic efficiency by about 1 to 5 percent dependent on the speed of the compressor.