Centrifugal compressor control application

The turboprop engine has a power turbine instead of the nozzle as seen in Figure 4-2. The power turbine drives the propeller. The unit shown schematically is a two-shaft unit, this enables the speed of the propeller to be better controlled, as the gasifier turbine can then operate at a nearly constant speed. Similar engines are used in helicopter drive applications and many have axial flow compressors with a last stage as a centrifugal compressor as shown in Figure 1-14. 

The centrifugal compressor is well established for the compression of gases and vapors. It has proven its economy and uniqueness in many applications, particularly in which large volumes are handled at medium pressures. This compressor is particularly adaptable to steam turbine or other continuous speed change drives, as the two principles of operation and control are quite compatible. It is also adaptable to the electric motor, gas engine, and gas turbine with each installation being specific to a particular problem or process. Installation as well as operating costs can be quite reasonable. 

Oscarson, G. L., Application of A-C Motors and Controls to Centrifugal Compressors, Bui. 200-TEC-1120, Electric Machinery Co., div. Dresser-Rand (1955). 

Centrifugal compressors are dynamic compressors and are essentially constant pressure, variable volume machines and must be regulated in almost all applications. Before control can be discussed, the operating characteristics must be understood. The discussion to follow will be concerned with radial-flow compressors. Axial-flow compressors have similar characteristics curves, although the change in pressure rise is much greater with equivalent changes in compressor rotational speed. 

Most induction ac motors are fixed-speed. However, a large number of motor applications would benefit if the motor speed could be adjusted to match process requirements. Motor speed controls are the devices which, when properly applied, can tap most of the potential energy savings in motor systems. Motor speed controls are particularly attractive in applications where there is variable fluid flow. In many centrifugal pump, fan, and compressor applications mechanical power grows roughly with the cube of the fluid flow. To move 80 percent of the nominal flow only half of the power is required. Centrifugal loads are therefore excellent candidates for motor speed control. Other loads that may benefit from the use of motor speed controls include conveyers, traction drives, winders, machine tools and robotics. 

Fluid power encompasses most applications that use liquids or gases to transmit power in the form of mechanical work, pressure and/or volume in a system. This definition includes all systems that rely on pumps or compressors to transmit specific volumes and pressures of liquids or gases within a closed system. The complexity of these systems range from a simple centrifugal pump used to remove casual water from a basement to complex airplane control systems that rely on high-pressure hydraulic systems. 

Throttling of the suction of centrifugal and axial compressors wastes less power than throttling the discharge. Even less power is wasted by adjustment of built-in inlet guide vanes with a servomechanism which is a feedback control system in which the controlled variable is mechanical position. Speed control is a particularly effective control mode, applicable to large units that can utilize turbine or internal combustion drives control is by throttling of the supply of motive fluids, steam or fuel. 

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