The new performance calculation method of fouled axial flow compressor

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Thermodynamics
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Fouling significantly degrades axial flow compressor performance.
• Accurate modeling of fouled compressors is crucial but historically difficult.
• Existing methods struggle to precisely predict performance loss due to fouling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel performance calculation method for fouled multistage axial flow compressors.
• To accurately predict the impact of fouling on compressor thermodynamic parameters.
• To provide a reliable tool for analyzing compressor performance degradation over time.

Main Methods:

• Decomposition of the multistage compressor into two sections: a fouled first half and a clean second half.
• Integration of scaling law, linear progression, and stage stacking for the fouled section, considering ambient conditions and engine configurations.
• Application of the averaged infinitesimal stage method based on Reynolds' law of similarity for the clean section.
• Validation using experimental data from an 8-stage and a 16-stage LM2500-30 compressor.

Main Results:

• The developed model successfully predicts the performance of fouled multistage axial flow compressors.
• Analysis details the changes in pressure ratio and efficiency with operating time and stage number.
• The method demonstrates effectiveness in simulating performance degradation in real-world compressor systems.

Conclusions:

• The new performance calculation method provides accurate predictions for fouled axial flow compressors.
• The model's ability to analyze thermodynamic parameter changes offers valuable insights into fouling effects.
• This approach enhances the understanding and management of compressor performance degradation.