Blade Designs for Improved Multi-Phase Performance in sCO₂ Compressors: Optical Diagnostics in sCO₂ and Experimental Evaluation With Particle Image Velocimetry

This paper presents the second part of a study in which the leading edge and suction surface of a compressor blade was modified to delay onset of phase change for sCO₂ compressors operating near the critical point. Using a first-of-its-kind apparatus for the measurement of sCO₂ flow fields, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is used for local flow field measurements of two compressor blade geometries: the modified “biased wedge,” and a conventional constant thickness blade. Utilizing the developed hardware, the feasibility of a simple, laser-based diagnostic for qualitatively measuring liquid phase regions, is also presented. The design of the optical diagnostics rig, a discussion of numerous challenges, and necessary considerations involved in performing optical-based measurements like PIV, in sCO₂, are discussed. Velocity field measurements for the modified compressor profile show a much lower suction peak compared to a conventional blade. These results validate numerical results at the tested conditions, where the suction side profile of the biased wedge works to minimize the local pressure gradient.