Numerical Investigation on the Effect of Dry and Wet Compression on a Linear Low Speed Compressor Cascade

Abstract

Several techniques are implemented to reduce the temperature rise in multistage compressors, which leads to the noticeable improvement in specific power output of a gas turbine. The objective of the present investigation intends to understand the effect of incidence angles on the aerodynamic performance of the compressor cascade under wet compression. Using large eddy simulations (LES) the effects of wet compression on compressor flow separation and wake formation are investigated. Experimental investigation was performed to validate the numerical results. The study reveals notable flow modifications in the separated flow region under the influence of wet compression and the total loss coefficient reduces significantly at the downstream side of the compressor for positive incidence angles. On the other hand, for negative incidence angles the wet compression enhances the total pressure losses inside the blade passage. Also, in the present investigation, particular emphasis has been given to understand the water film formation at negative and positive incidence angles.

Keywords

• Wet compression; Large eddy simulation; Linear compressor cascade; Incidence angle; Flow loss.