Experience of performance modeling the single-stage pipeline centrifugal compressor

The object of CFD calculations is the 1:2 model of the 32 MW single-stage pipeline compressor. The calculated efficiency and pressure coefficient characteristics are compared with the characteristics measured at the test rig of the design customer. Comparative calculations are made for three interfaces of flow parameters transaction out of a rotating impeller to a stationary diffuser. Two of the interfaces treat the flow as steady. The third interface presents the performance taking into account the periodic unsteadiness. Four turbulence models are compared. The calculations of geometric models with twice different number of cells are compared. In one of the calculations the geometric model includes a gap between the body and the shroud of the impeller. The calculation of the unsteady flow and flow in the body – shroud gap leads to better matching of the characteristics. The results of modeling are not satisfactory anyway.