A New Hybrid Reciprocating Compressor Model Coupled with Acoustic FEM Characterization and Gas Dynamics

Accurate comprehension of thermodynamic demeanor and pressure pulsation propagation is of great attractiveness in a reciprocating compressor system. To consider the reciprocal interaction between compressor and pipelines, a hybrid numerical model is thus built by coupling the in-cylinder lumped parameter approach, in-pipe 1D gas dynamics and 3D acoustic characteristics of chambers. The transmission and reflection coefficients of a geometrically complex chamber are achieved by the definition of an acoustic characterization method based on acoustic FEM simulation data, with a high level of accuracy. Numerical results of this new hybrid model are compared with predictions from the traditional hybrid model with in-pipe 1D gas dynamics, together with experimental data. Through comparison analysis, the advantages are highlighted in using the acoustic FEM characterization for complex elements since the new model performs numerical solution without introducing any simplifications to the geometry of fluid domain.