The aim of the current work is to investigate the effects of natural gas compositions on reciprocating
compressor performance numerically. A numerical model has been built based on first law of thermodynamics,
mass balance, AGA8 EOS (Equation of State) and thermodynamics relationships. The model
could predict compressor parameters (pressure, temperature, mass flow rate, mass and valves motions)
at various crank angles and cylinder volume. For validation, the numerical results are compared with
previous experimental values and good agreement is encountered. The impact of key parameters such
as: clearance, angular speed and molecular weight of natural gas have been investigated on the
compressor performance. The results show that, for natural gas with higher molecular weight, suction
valve opening time is less than natural gas with lower molecular weight. Also, the consuming indicated
work per cycle for natural gas with lower molar weight (Khangiran composition with 98% methane) is
approximately 50 kJ/kg more than higher molar weight (Ghasoo gas with 79% methane).
کلید واژگان :
Reciprocating natural gas compressor Natural gas composition Thermodynamic modeling AGA8 equation
