Characteristics of water vapor turbocompressors applied in refrigeration and heat pump systems

Interdependence between centrifugal stage pressure ratio, peripheral Mach number and impeller peripheral speed, as well the influence of the refrigerating capacity on the dimensions of the centrifugal compressor are determined to obtain the range of reasonable usage of R718 refrigerating/heat pump systems. The deep vacuum operating conditions, the low specific volumetric cooling capacity of the R718 and the small molecular mass of the water are the peculiarities which determined the main parameters of the centrifugal compressor and the range of rational application of the R718 refrigerating/heat pump systems. The high peripheral impeller speed, high Mach number and high pressure ratio cause separated jet-wake flow and transonic flow phenomena in the compressor flow field. Estimation of the flow characteristics and of the performance characteristics of the water vapor centrifugal compressors is presented, using results of CFD simulations and experimental investigations for high pressure ratio centrifugal compressors.

► Main geometrical and operating parameters of the steam centrifugal compressors.
► Interdependence between centrifugal stage pressure ratio, peripheral Mach number and impeller peripheral speed.
► High peripheral impeller speed, high Mach number and high pressure ratio.
► Separated jet-wake flow and transonic flow phenomena in the centrifugal compressor flow field.