Influence of tip clearance on the flow field of variable inlet guide vane cascade in air storage centrifugal compressor

This study investigated the impact of tip clearance on the aerodynamic performance of variable inlet guide vane (VIGV) cascade within a centrifugal compressor for compressed air energy storage. The exploration was carried out by combining numerical simulation and wind tunnel test validation. The study revealed that at 0.19Ma, tip clearance variations significantly affected the total pressure loss coefficient (Cpt), leakage flow, and deviation angle. Under small incidence angles (5°–20°), Cpt initially increased then decreased with larger clearances, peaking at 2.5% tip clearance (10% higher than original) and dropping by 30% at 10% tip clearance. Under large incidence angles (25°–30°), Cpt showed continuous reduction, achieving 30% decrease at 10% tip clearance. When tip clearance exceeded 7.5%, its impact on leakage flow diminished noticeably, while the effect on deviation angle remained limited (maximum 3° increase). This work filled a research gap regarding VIGV tip clearance effects and laid groundwork for future 3D guide vane clearance studies.