Aerodynamic and geometric optimization for the design of centrifugal compressors

Maximizing efficiency is the main goal in centrifugal compressor design. Thus a computer code has been developed to optimize geometric and fluid dynamic variables with respect to several design constraints. Computations are performed with an adiabatic one-dimensional approach using state-of-the-art loss and slip correlations. The optimization takes into account mechanical stress limits. Results with different loss and slip correlations are compared with the available experimental data. Changes in optimum efficiency and specific speed due to variations of mass flow rate and pressure ratio are also presented and discussed together with the trends of the optimum geometric features.