Optimisation of Compressor Valve Design Using a â•ŸComplexâ•Ž Method

In recent years a number of mathematical models have been developed which simulate reciprocating compressor performance a·nd valve behaviour, Such a model (4), has been used with a 'complex' optimisation procedure to optimise the design of spring loaded ring plate valves in a reciprocating air compressor. Features of the procedure are discussed, such as the handling of constraints, the sensitivity of the optimum to changes in the design parameters and the search for a 'global' optimum. A corresponding experimental study of the air compressor was conducted in an attempt to establish the extent of the validity of the procedure. In general the direction of change in the values of the valve parameters in the optimised design was such as would have been expected from intuition and experience, Small improvements predicted in compressor performance were partially confirmed in the experimental tests.