Discrete passage diffuser
US6589015B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2250/52
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A centrifugal compressor includes an impeller and a diffuser. The impeller has an inner integral hub with vanes thereon, is adapted to rotate within an outer shroud about a central longitudinal axis, and has a defined hub-to-shroud distribution of fluid exit angles. The diffuser, downstream from the impeller, comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced discrete passages at least partially defining fluid paths through the diffuser, and angled such that adjacent discrete passages intersect each other to form an annular semi-vaneless diffuser inlet space. The discrete passages downstream of the semi-vaneless space each have an inlet therefrom and an outlet with a greater cross-sectional area than the inlet. The intersection of the annular semi-vaneless space and each discrete passage defines a leading edge thereof. Each discrete passage is defined by a wall bounding a cross-sectional area, the wall comprising at least a first substantially rectilinear portion and a second opposed convexly curved portion; the first substantially rectilinear portion is adjacent the hub of the impeller and the second opposed convexly curved portion is adjacent the outer shroud. The leading edge of …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.