The influence of Reynolds number on performance of a highly loaded 10-stage axial high pressure compressor has been experimentally investigated. The experiment was performed by applying different inlet Reynolds numbers at several different operating speeds. Reynolds number variation was achieved by throttling the inlet total pressure. Both compressor total aerodynamic characteristics and detailed single stage performance were measured and analysed. Test results show that all the compressor performance including efficiency, mass flow and pressure ratio are decreasing with the decrease of Reynolds number. And the influence is higher at higher operating speed. Regarding to single stage characteristics, changes are not significant while only the front stages are affected especially for stage one. The correlation between Reynolds number and compressor performance was obtained.

Then the Wassell semi-empirical correlation method was applied to predict the Reynolds number influences for the same compressor. Comparison was made between experimental results and calculating results based on Wassell correlation. Results indicate that Wassell correlation is reliable for predicting trends, but providing calculating inaccuracy. Impact of Reynolds number is over considered that lower Reynolds number lead to higher inaccuracy. Based on test results of this compressor and several other compressors, modification of Wassell correlation method is proposed for modern design application.

 


Effects of Reynolds Number on Performance of Highly Loaded Multi-Stage Axial Compressors

Division / Sponsor:
International Gas Turbine Institute (IGTI)

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/GT/GT2020/volume/84058

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