Thermodynamic Modelling Aspects of Wet Compression in Radial Compressors

Abstract

Wet compression or evaporative cooling is used during the compression of gases. Evaporative cooling reduces the power demand and keeps the discharge temperature in a suitable range. The cooling effect can be used before the impeller as well as within the impeller. The latter is more challenging and the focus of this research is on it. This paper looks into evaporative cooling in radial impellers from a general perspective in order not to limit the scope. Therefore, a mean line calculation program is applied. The program takes into account the entropy production due to the irreversible heat exchange between gas and liquid. This paper focuses on the thermodynamic aspects and shows how to analyse them. The paper highlights the necessity to consider the additional entropy production during the design and analysis process.