Effect of speed on centrifugal compressor performance at a given pressure ratio: choose the correct trend. For a centrifugal compressor operating at a fixed pressure ratio, what is the typical effect of increasing rotational speed?
Mechanical Engineering
Compressors, Gas Dynamics and Gas Turbines
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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AIncrease in flow
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BDecrease in flow
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CIncrease in efficiency
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DIncrease in flow and decrease in efficiency
Answer
Correct Answer: Increase in flow and decrease in efficiency
Explanation
Concept/ApproachRaising speed generally shifts the characteristic to higher mass flow and head. At a fixed pressure ratio away from the new design point, the operating point tends to a higher flow with some off-design penalties, often reducing efficiency.
ResultFlow increases; efficiency typically drops when operating off optimum speed-line at the same pressure ratio.
Final AnswerIncrease in flow and decrease in efficiency.