Compressor Power Equation | Factors & Link

  • Thread starter Thread starter spiraltooth
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Compressor
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the power equation for compressors, specifically the non-isentropic compressor power equation: \dot{W} = \frac{\dot{m}C_pT_1}{\eta_c} \left[\left(\frac{P_2}{P_1}\right)^{(\frac{\gamma-1}{\gamma})}-1\right]. Participants clarify that the mass flow rate (\dot{m}) is crucial and is defined as the product of density (\rho) and volume flow rate (\dot{V}). Additionally, the conversation touches on the relationship between pressure ratios in vacuum pumps and compressors, emphasizing that a vacuum pump with a 1bar/0.01bar ratio requires more power than a compressor with a 10bar/1bar ratio. Links to resources for further exploration, including NASA's website and online calculators, are provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles, specifically related to compressors
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mass flow rate and pressure differentials
  • Knowledge of the specific heat capacity (C_p) and efficiency (\eta_c) in thermodynamic equations
  • Basic understanding of characteristic curves in fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of non-isentropic processes in compressor design
  • Learn about the calculation of outlet pressure from characteristic curves in fans
  • Explore online calculators for reciprocating and centrifugal compressors
  • Investigate the relationship between pressure ratios and power requirements in vacuum pumps
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, mechanical designers, and students in thermodynamics or fluid mechanics who are involved in compressor design and analysis will benefit from this discussion.

spiraltooth
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Please give me the equation with a link if possible for determining power for a compressor. I know volume x pressure differential / efficiency but I think the gas being compressed also is a factor. Thank you.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
From my old thermo notes, a non-isentropic compressor has a power of:

\dot{W} = \frac{\dot{m}C_pT_1}{\eta_c} \left[\left(\frac{P_2}{P_1}\right)^{(\frac{\gamma-1}{\gamma})}-1\right]

You can see the same equation here:
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/compth.html
 
Last edited:
The site seems to be down at the moment but there are online calculators for recips and centrifs at www.processassociates.com

To to process tools section.
 
Fred, from your equation a vacuum pump that has a 1bar/.01bar pressure ratio needs more power than a compressor that has a ratio of 10bar/1bar? Is m the molecular weight or the volume?
 
Last edited:
m is mass flow rate.

I'll have to look around a bit, but a vacuum pump most likely will not be applicable here. I'm not sure, I don't deal with them.
 
Hello, I'm working on a model of a fan and I have the characteristic curves Flow/impelled power and flow/total pressure.

I also have the relation of adiabatic compression you have written but it concerns the Head (in meters) and not the mass flowrate. Therefore, my question is : how do you get the outlet pressure of a fan knowing the characteristic curves and the formula with the head ?

More clearly that possible to convert the Head (m) into a differential pressure (Pout-Pin) or even the outlet Pressure of the fan (Pout) ?

Thank you for any idea.
 
Last edited:
Hi, somebody knows this formula?

HP= Q * 63 * Ln(Pd/Ps)

Is a rare formula that are been used in a pipeline gas.

Thanks.

Felipe

PD: Sorry if I make a mistake in the english, I speak spanish.
 
spiraltooth said:
Fred, from your equation a vacuum pump that has a 1bar/.01bar pressure ratio needs more power than a compressor that has a ratio of 10bar/1bar? Is m the molecular weight or the volume?

\dot{m} is the mass flow rate, & is equal to \rho\dot{V}

ie. work required also depends upon the inlet density.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
785
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K