Compressor/Fan Configuration

The compressor configuration window is used to define the specific operation of a centrifugal compressor. It is opened with the Enter Curve Data button from the Compressor/Fan Properties Compressor Model tab when Centrifugal Compressor is selected.

Figure 1: Enter Curve Data

Configuration Method

By default, a compressor/fan curve is defined using the Simple configuration. This means that the user inputs only one compressor/fan curve for the junction.

If the Configuration Method is changed to Multiple, additional input becomes available on the right of the configuration window. This allows defining different curves to represent the behavior of the compressor/fan at different speeds. See a detailed description in Compressor/Fan Multiple Configuration. This feature is especially useful when multiple curves for a given compressor/fan junction must be evaluated as it prevents the user from having to delete and enter curve data.

Compressor Data

The first tab of the compressor configuration controls the compressor's most basic behavior - the compressor curves.

Figure 2: Compressor Data

A compressor/fan can have two curves defined:

Flow vs. Head/Pressure/Compression Ratio- Required. This is what is commonly referred to as the "compressor/fan curve" and defines how much pressure the turbomachine can add to a fluid at any given flowrate.

Flow vs. Efficiency/Power - (Optional) Data entered in this column allows for quick assessment of power used at the operating point and the proximity to Best Efficiency Point (BEP).

After entering the raw values into the table, the data needs to be curve fit.

If Mass Flow, Pressure, or Power are used in the curve definitions, Reference Density becomes an additional required input.

Configuration Data

This tab controls some additional behavior or input for a compressor junction. Entering or changing values on this tab is optional.

Figure 3: Configuration Data

Best Efficiency Point (BEP) - The Best Efficiency Point (BEP) by default is calculated from the entered efficiency or power curve. This is generally the preferred option as it best relates to the true meaning of BEP. A User Specified value can be entered if no efficiency or power curve is available, or if it is desired to force the BEP to a certain flow.
End Of Curve Flow Rate (optional) - This value is used to create a warning in the output if it is exceeded. It does not affect the solution - the model will behave identically however this value is defined.

Preferred Operating Region (POR) - % of BEP values falling outside of the defined range will generate a warning in the model output. This range can be defined by the user.
Allowable Operating Region (AOR) - Similarly, this flow range creates a warning in the output when the user specified flow range is not adhered to.

Graphs

The following tabs display the curves that have been fit to the given data. If multiple curves are defined, the Composite Graph tab becomes available. The other graph tabs show the individual curves, along with points representing the raw data. It is a good idea to check that these graphs to confirm the curve fit is reasonable for any potential operating region.

Figure 4: Composite Graph