A computer based model of a sliding vane air compressor was used to predict the behaviour of machines having different geometries operating at different conditions. The model was used to calculate the free air delivery , the required power input and a specific capacity defined as the free air delivery per unit of power input. Results from the modelling process were incorporated in an optimisation algorithm to predict that combination of dimensions which would achieve a given free air delivery at specified operating conditions and have optimum performance (maximum specific capacity ). The paper describes the simulation model developed to analyse the behaviour of both radial and non-radial vane sliding vane machines. Studies were performed to investigate the effects of varying both the number and the inclination of the vanes upon compressor performance at design and off design operating conditions. Results are presented for a six vane machine having vane inclinations in the range -30° to +30° . The effect of varying the number of vanes upon compressor performance is also discussed.
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