Application of Low-Solidity Cascade Diffuser to Transonic Centrifugal Compressor

Low-solidity circular cascades, conformally transformed from high-stagger linear cascades of double-circular-arc vanes with solidity 0.69, were used as a part of the diffuser system of a transonic centrifugal compressor. Performance test results were compared with data of the same compressor with a vaneless diffuser. Good compressor performance, a wider flow range as well as a higher pressure ratio and a higher efficiency, superior to those with a vaneless diffuser, where the flow range was limited by choke of the impeller, were demonstrated. The test circular cascade diffusers demonstrated a good pressure recovery over a wide range of flow angles, even when the inflow Mach number to the cascade was over unity.