Browsing by Author "Struwig, Daniel Johannes"

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    The development and verification of a centrifugal compressor test bench
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Struwig, Daniel Johannes; Van der Spuy, S. J.; Von Backstrom, T. W.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Turbomachinery plays an important role in the efficiency of power generation and combustion processes used in the automotive and aerospace industries. The potential for fulfilling future energy needs has been identified in both civilian and military applications, for example micro gas turbines (MGTs) used in unmanned aireial vehicles (UAVs). The goal of this thesis was to build a performance testing facility for small-scale centrifugal compressors, for use in MGTs. The objectives of this study were mainly achieved through experimental work. In addition to the experimental work, numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software were performed to substantiate the experimental results. The project methodology followed the process whereby a compressor performance map is constructed from experimental data and compared to map obtained from theoretical data. The test facility consists of a turbocharger fitted with an experimental compressor section. The turbocharger turbine is driven by unheated compressed air. Sensors, data acquisition and ancillary equipment required to perform performance test measurements, were obtained and installed on the test facility. Performance curves at three different rotational speeds were successfully obtained for the experimental compressor. When compared to the CFD results there was good qualitative agreement, although deviations in the results increased with rotational speed. In addition a second impeller design was tested which correlated well with the theoretical data.