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Design and numerical investigations of a counter-rotating axial compressor for a geothermal power plant application

Posted on:2014-09-10Degree:M.SType:Thesis
University:Michigan State UniversityCandidate:Qualman, Thomas, IIFull Text:PDF
GTID:2452390008960542Subject:Mechanical engineering
Abstract/Summary:
Geothermal provides a steady source of energy unlike other renewable sources, however, there are non-condensable gases (NCG's) that need to be removed before the steam enters the turbine/generator or the efficiency suffers. By utilizing a multistage counter-rotating axial compressor with integrated composite wound impellers the process of removing NCG's could be significantly improved. The novel composite impeller design provides a high level of corrosion resistance, a good strength to weight ratio, reduced size, and reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs. This thesis focuses on the design of the first 3 stages of a multistage counter-rotating axial compressor with integrated composite wound impellers for NCG removal. Because of the novel technique, an unusual set of constraints required a simplified 1 and 2D design methodology to be developed and investigated through CFD. The results indicate that by utilizing constant thickness blades with constant shroud radius (to ease manufacturing difficulties) a total pressure ratio of 1.37 with a total polytropic efficiency of 89.81% could be achieved.
Keywords/Search Tags:Counter-rotating axial compressor
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