Development of a research test rig for advanced analyses in centrifugal compressors

In this study, the design process of a new research test rig for centrifugal compressor stages is presented. The rig has been specifically conceived for advanced analyses, with particular focus on rotating stall and in general on the operating conditions close to the minimum flow limit, which represent the research frontier in view of an extension of the stages rangeability. The new rig will be able to test industrial impellers at peripheral Mach numbers up to 0.7, operating in open-loop with ambient inlet conditions. A modular design will allow to test different stage configurations and then to carry out systematic optimization campaigns on a single specific component. The conceptual design of the rig is here described and explained, including the selection of the best architecture and layout, the drivetrain assessment and the rotordynamic analysis.