Study of Inlet Guide Vanes for Centrifugal Compressor in Miniature Gas-Turbines

Abstract

we believe miniaturization is the step forward. This paper gives a brief overview of a gas-turbine, how miniaturization of it has a plenty of applications and specifically focuses on the miniaturization of the centrifugal compressor used in it. This paper suggests that the centrifugal compressor of an automobile turbocharger can be used as the compressor for the miniature gas turbine due to its geometrical similarities and also provides an insight into the challenges that might be faced when this is incorporated. It also suggests a few modifications, when applied to the turbo-compressor; it may overcome the challenges and the modification being introduction of a pre-whirl effect. The pre-whirl effect proves to be efficient as it helps reduce surging, turbulence, chocking and shocks that might be induced into the turbo-compressor when it is used in a miniature gas turbine due to high speed. Therefore this paper is a step towards miniaturization of the gas turbine at a low cost, at the same time uses a high precision manufactured product (turbo-compressor).