Effect of Compressor Volute Configuration on Small Centrifugal Compressor Performance

Abstract

Recently, centrifugal compressor for turbocharger is needed to improve surge margin and efficiency at low engine speed region. In this study, three compressors which have the same A/R (a ratio of volute throat section area to centroid radius of the section) volutes but different configurations are investigated by using CFD and experiment. And the same impeller is used in all cases. In the experiment, not only total performance of compressor but also static pressure distribution at volute wall is measured. Three compressors have the different performance. In conclusion, under the same A/R condition, larger frame size and smaller overhang volute show better performance because of no separation in its passage.