International Journal of Rotating Machinery 
Volume 10 (2004), Issue 2, Pages 91-97
doi:10.1155/S1023621X04000107

Parametric Study of Greitzer's Instability Flow Model Through Compressor System Using the Taguchi Method

Eddie Yin-Kwee Ng, Ningyu Liu, and Shin Yi Tan

 College of Engineering, School of Mechanical & Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore

Abstract

The occurrence of stall and surge is caused by instability of the flow through the compressor system. These two phenomena often result in serious mechanical problems for the compressor. The scope of this article includes a review and parametric study on the characteristics of stall and surge and their mathematical modeling.

In this article, Greitzer's B-parameter model is applied for analyzing the stall and surge characteristics. Based on this model, a total of four parameters—B, G, K, and LC—in the model are highlighted in order to establish the influence of each parameter on the system. Parameters B, G, and K are all dimensionless constants while LC is the effective length of the compressor duct.

Here, the governing equations of stall and surge behavior are solved numerically using fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The Taguchi method is then used to analyze the results generated to obtain the extent of effects of the parameters on the system by varying the parameters in a series of combinations. Finally, a thorough analysis is carried out on the results generated from the Taguchi method and the graphs. It is found that parameter K is the deciding factor in the position of the cross point whereas parameter B is the most important one in changing the length of time needed for the compressor to reach its steady state.