Open AccessThe roticulating concept air compressor: experimental and numerical investigation
Author(s) -
Y. Zhang,
Misan Madamedon,
Colin Copeland,
Jonathan Fenton,
J Subert,
K Hinchliffe,
I. M. Arbon,
Simon Leefe
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/604/1/012070
Subject(s) - gas compressor , isentropic process , range (aeronautics) , overall pressure ratio , volumetric efficiency , power (physics) , mechanical engineering , environmental science , automotive engineering , mechanics , computer science , engineering , thermodynamics , aerospace engineering , physics
This paper documents the first prototype tests of the FeTu bare-shaft oil-free air compressor, conducted over a one-year study at the University of Bath, with funding support from Innovate UK. Giving feasibility to the concept and to provide an initial indicator of its performance, in terms of pressure capability, isentropic efficiency and specific power demand as an oil-free air compressor. A range of 6 units in total were validated on a continuous flow test-rig, with variations on internal sealing, internal clearance, and Non-Return Valve (NRV) settings, to assess their impact on volumetric efficiency, in pursuit of an optimal design. Tests covered a speed range of 100 rpm-1500 rpm and reached discharge pressures up to 6 barg, results indicated that the compressor can maintain a 50% torque-based efficiency between a pressure ratio (PR) of 1.5 to 2.8. Tests reveal low compressed gas temperature of 125ºC at 2.8PR, which gave rise to a high isentropic efficiency of over 80%, therefore specific power was adopted as the main Key Performance Indicator (KPI).