Performance Curves ' Fixed speed machines * Variable speed machines * Demonstration “This section fan introduction to the performance maps of cenrfugal compressors “There are two types of compressors - fied speed and varable speed, and the performance maps of both wil be cused SL ee nn te 88889888198SPLCSPPFFFSSISIFSIFSISISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSES Fixed Speed Compressor ESD 2] fom : i vei iw Fixed speed compressors are usualy driven by electric motors and are the simple type of centrifugal compressors. thelr performance can be deseribed by a simple curve describing the relationship between polyropic head and volumeti low (see above). The curve starts at the surge point which i atthe lowest flow point on the “curveand ends inthe stonewall gion which sa highest low point on the curve. Fer most fined. speed compressors the relationship between polytopic head ant ‘volumetric flow takes the form of thi line whichis known asthe operating ine “The volumetric flow indicated onthe graph isthe actual volumetric flow ofthe gas ing into the suction ofthe compressor. ts not the flow at standard or norte! ‘conconsVariable Speed Compressor Pepe ‘Variable speed compressors are usually driven by gs or stam turbines which supply ‘the power torn the compressor at eiferent speeds acordng to the demands ofthe process. The performance ofthese compressors can be described by a performance ‘envelope 3s shown above For each speed the compressor operates at there san operating ine ~ just a theres {ora foed speed machine. Ths family of speed ines consttte 9 map within which ‘the compressor operates. At the ow flow part ofthe map tere sa surg region, and at the hh flow part ofthe map there stonewall or choke flow region. Variable ‘eed eomoressors ae highly lexble but because ofthis exit they ace hard to ‘operateand control TUULTAUTTTTTDDTTDDDDADDTDTDTT VDDD TTT TTT DVT VA TD‘Multi-impeller Surge Lines (5 impeller Unit) 20 ach impeller on 2 mlthimpeller unit has its own surge line (shown a6 1. 2,3, 4 8.5 above) the effective overall surge ine is defined bythe highest low rat that could ‘use surge on any wheel at any speed. Inthe example shown, the overall surge ture is a combination of stage I and 5 cures. is very lift to predic: the overall surge curve fora variable speed (multiples) uit whieh s why a sure test must be performed.Zy =average compressbiiy Pp charge pressure @ = poltopiccoeficient Ts icon temperature | fw = molar weight “The poytropic head across a compressor 3 measure of the emount of energy thats gut into ach kilogram of gas as it passes through the compressor; it is 2 specie ‘energy term. At ih polytopic hea values more energy Is Being put into the gas ‘tranat low poitropic head values, The equation for poltropic heads given above. From the equation sit easy to see that the polyropi head isa trong function ofthe compression rato across the compressor. In simple tems a higher polropic head tsualy leads to a higher compression ratlon (decharge preeure/suction presse). “Tis & true provided the suction conditions (temperature & compastion} do nat change TUTTETTTTTTTATTAUTAVATTTTTTT ITTV TTT TTT TTT T VATACompressor Efficiency The eciency of 2 fed speed compressor follows the shape of the curve shown. hove. The eflency at 2 peak round the design point ofthe compressor and falc aw towards the surge region and the stonewallrepn. “To keop the compressor operatag In the mast efflent manner the compressor ‘sould be operated clse tothe design point withthe recycle valve cored Thi i nat always practicable “The efficiency curve shown isthe thermodyramicefcency af the machine and does 10 allow fr mechanical losses inthe motor, ear box or shatVariable Speed Head Flow - Efficiency § ESD -[o ‘The map shows that there is an area of peak eisency around the compressor design point. Infact, the efficiency atthe design point for this machine 72% which means that within the peak efficiency are, thee willbe variations in efciency a8 you move lose tothe design poet. PRT TTTTTTTTALTTTLAATTTT PTT TT TEE F TTT AaahFETT STCSCTCSCSSTTSCTUT TTT U ETT UES CTTUSE EEUU EEEESS "a Variable 2 Speed y= Head Flow} 77) Power "2 “The map shows how the power absorbed by the centifugal compressor increases ‘with speed Walz increases with volume flow at (fra ven sped). Potyeoic head tas tw Pow otf ofiony(y) ‘So, fora given speed: 1 Moving towards surge power redvtion Inereaced head, reduce flow + endurad fficincy = 2. Moving away fom surge power increase, duced head, crease flow + reduces effiency = Power usually increates sharply as you get close to stonewall because the effiiency ‘reduces dramaticaly.S0, operating i, or ose to, stonewalls usually asoriated with high power operation‘Changing Compressor Conditions Is table alows you to precet changes in perormance ona fixed speed machine: mithout refering Co te py pic hea equation RELELELELTTTTTTTATLTTTTTTTTTTAVTTT TTT TTTTTATA‘Molecular Weight Variations (On a centitugal compressor the pohtrople head ve volumetric flow curve may change with g3s composition. As the molecular weight inereases the surge point ‘occurs at higher lws and the head making abity of the compressor increases, ‘The reason for the change in performance is that the flow rate through the compressor abyrinth seals changes wth as composition. Different machine designs show a gresterfesser tendency to. charge tit performance curves with molecular weight Thisis party due‘ diferent seal designs nd tolerance, During the design proces for anew pant very Imparcant to asthe compressor ‘manufacturers or potyropi: head vs volumetric flow at normal minimum. and ‘maximum molecular welght conditons uMore Molecular Weight Variations