Introduction to Centrifugal Compressors — Lesson 1

This lesson covers the fundamental aspects of centrifugal compressors, a crucial component in turbomachinery aerodynamics. It delves into the thermodynamics of centrifugal compressors, explaining how energy is added in the impeller and how static pressure rise continues in the vaneless space and the diffuser. The lesson also discusses the different configurations of an impeller, the role of an inducer, and the process of diffusion in the vaneless space. It further explains the governing equations for centrifugal compressors and how one can analyze the flow through these machines. The lesson concludes with an overview of what will be covered in the subsequent lessons, including Coriolis acceleration, the slip factor, and performance characteristics.

Video Highlights

01:22 - Introduction to the topic of centrifugal compressors and their comparison with axial compressors.
12:24 - Discussion on the fundamental issues related to centrifugal compressors, their analysis, and performance characteristics.
28:02 - Discussion on the advantages of centrifugal compressors in smaller sized engines.
45:40 - Discussion on the different components of a centrifugal compressor, including the impeller, inducer, and diffuser.

Key Takeaways

- Centrifugal compressors add energy in the impeller and continue static pressure rise in the vaneless space and the diffuser.
- Impellers can have different configurations, including straight radial, backward leaning blade, and forward leaning blade.
- An inducer guides the flow smoothly into the impeller, preventing flow separation.
- The governing equations for centrifugal compressors allow for the analysis of flow through these machines.
- Diffusion continues in the vaneless space and the diffuser, contributing to the overall diffusion process.