How Inlet Conditions Impact Centrifugal Air Compressors

Compressed Air & Gas Institiute

Centrifugal technology is based on dynamic compression. In a dynamic compressor, air is drawn

between the blades of a rapidly rotating impeller and accelerates to high velocity. The air is then
discharged through a diffuser, where the kinetic energy is transformed into static pressure. Most
dynamic compressors are turbo compressors with an axial or radial flow pattern and are designed
for larger volume flow rates.

The performance of a dynamic compressor is very much dependent on environmental conditions.

We will explain the impact of the different environmental parameters and their effect on
performance below. When considering an investment in a centrifugal type compressor it is
critical to consider the yearly extremes, as well as the average conditions when sizing the
equipment for the application to achieve maximum performance.

The environmental parameters that influence the performance are:

1) Inlet temperature

2) Inlet pressure

3) Relative humidity (RH)

4) Cooling water temperature

To understand the impact of these parameters, we need to look at the performance curves of a
dynamic compressor and see how performance is impacted with changing environmental
parameters.

Inlet Temperature

The inlet temperature of the air has an impact on the density of the air at the intake of the
compressor and will influence the kinetic energy transferred by the blades to the air. Increased
density at lower intake temperatures will result in a higher free air delivery (acfm) and also
higher power consumption of the compressor.

Another effect of the change in air or gas density is the available turndown of the compressor.
That is the flow range where efficient regulation through use of a throttle valve or inlet guide
vanes is possible. From the illustrations below it is clear that with lower temperatures a higher
turndown range is available.

Figures 1 and 2 show the effect of inlet temperature on the performance of turbo compressor.

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Inlet temperature changes produce large changes in performance. In cold weather, a centrifugal
can deliver much more weight flow of air than in warm weather if the drive is sized to provide
the additional power required.

Lower Temperature:

• Increases the surge pressure.

• Increases the maximun capacity (weight flow) at a given discharge pressure.
• Increases power consumption (horsepower).

Higher Temperature:

• Decreases the surge pressure.

• Decreases the maximum capacity (weight flow) at a given discharge pressure.
• Decreases power consumption (horsepower).

Figure 1: Density of air increases with reduction of air temperature.

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 Figure 2: How inlet temperature affects power

The mentioned parameters have similar effects on compressor performance. The impact of these
parameters can also be understood from the aforementioned performance graphs.

Inlet pressure

A decrease in inlet pressure will reduce the density of the air at the compressor intake. As with
higher temperatures, it will result in lower free air delivery and power. Changes in inlet pressure
can be caused by fouled inlet filters or changing barametric pressure. The same goes for the
available turndown -lower intake pressure will result in smaller available turndown. (See Figure
3).

Lower inlet pressure:

• Decreases the discharge pressure along the entire curve.

• Decreases the maximum capacity (weight flow).
• Decreases power consumption or horsepower (due to reduced weight flow).

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 Figure 3: How lower inlet pressure impacts centrifugal compressor performance

Relative humidity (RH)

An increase in relative humidity (RH) reduces flow and power, and a decrease in RH will
increase flow and power. The addition of water vapor to the air makes air humid and reduces the
density of the air. This is due to the molar mass of water being less than that of air. (See Figure
4).

Humidity has a slight effect on discharge pressure and a greater effect on weight flow.

Higher relative humidity:

• Decreases the discharge pressure at surge.

• Decreases the maximum capacity (weight flow).
• Decreases the flow at which surge occurs.
• Decreases power consumption (horsepower).

The higher condensate losses on high humidity days results in reduce flow delivered to the plant
air system.

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RELATIVE HUMIDITY
Humidity has a slight effect on discharge pressure and a greater effect on weight flow.

Higher relative humidity:

• Decreases the discharge pressure at surge.

• Decreases the maximum capacity (weight flow).
• Decreases the flow at which surge occurs.
• Decreases power consumption (horsepower).

The higher condensate losses on high humidity days results in reduce flow delivered to the plant
air system.

Figure 4: How relative humidity impacts centrifugal compressor performance

Cooling water temperature

The cooling water temperatures will affect the intake temperatures to the second stage and any
further stages, if present. Colder water increases flow and power, and warmer water reduces flow
and power.

To size a centrifugal compressor, you should consider the demand flow pattern of customer
operation and site inlet conditions (minimum / average / high) for optimum performance.

Another important point for consideration is motor sizing. If the motor / driver is selected based
on performance at lower inlet temperatures, it will ensure that even during low inlet temperatures
the motor has sufficient power available to take care of flow increases. The customer can then
take advantage of the increased flow available from their compressor. (See Figure 5)

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COOLING WATER TEMPERATURE / INTERSTAGE TEMPERATURE
Cooling water temperature will affect the performance of the compressor stage after the first
stage. The affect in performance is similar to that of inlet air temperature. This of course is true
because cooling water temperature variations will directly affect the temperature of the air
entering the second, third and subsequent stages where there are intercoolers located between
stages.

Lower cooling water temperature:

• Increases discharge pressure.

• Increases maximum capacity (weight flow).
• Increases power consumption (horsepower).

Figure 5: The effect of cooling water temperature on centrifugal performance

Higher cooling water temperature:

• Decreases discharge pressure.

• Decreases maximum capacity (weight flow).
• Decreases power consumption (horsepower).

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The Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI) is the united voice of the compressed air industry,
serving as the unbiased authority on technical, educational, promotional, and other matters that
affect compressed air and gas equipment suppliers and their customers. CAGI educational
resources include e-learning coursework, selection guides, videos, and the Compressed Air &
Gas Handbook.

The Centrifugal Compressor Section consists of the following member companies:

• Atlas Copco Compressors

• FS-Elliott
• Hanwha Power Systems
• Ingersoll Rand
• Sullair, LLC

For more information, visit the CAGI web site at www.cagi.org.

Refreshed July 2022