A compressible flow theory for regenerative compressors with aerofoil blades

摘要

Regenerative flow compressors (RFCs) are rotodynamic machines capable of producing high heads at very low flowrates. They have very low specific speed and share some of the characteristics of positive displacement machines such as a roots blower, but without the problems of lubrication and wear. They can produce heads equivalent to that of several centrifugal stages from a single rotor with comparable tip speed. The compression process is usually not regarded as efficient. Typically they produce efficiency of less than 50 per cent but still they have found many applications because they allow the use of fluid dynamic compressors in place of positive displacement compressors for duties requiring high heads at low flowrates.