Condensation in Radial Turbines—Part II: Application of the Mathematical Model to a Radial Turbine Series

Abstract

In the second part of this two part paper, the condensation process and the movement of the liquid phase near the impeller blades of a radial turbine are studied. The investigation methodology presented in part 1 is applied to a radial turbine type series used for waste heat recovery. First, the subcooling necessary for the beginning of the condensation process is examined and a relationship between the location of maximum subcooling and the onset of droplet deposition at the surfaces of the turbine impeller is determined. Thereafter, the movement of liquid films on the impeller blades is analysed and characterized. Correlations determining the movement of droplets originating from liquid film atomization on the edge of the impeller blade along the casing are derived. Finally, conclusions are drawn depicting the most important findings of condensing flows in radial turbines.