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Numerical analysis methods are used to investigate the flow in a ported-shroud centrifugal compressor under different operating conditions, i.e. several mass flow rates at two different speed lines. A production turbocharger compressor is considered, which is widely used in the heavy automotive sector. Flow solutions obtained under steady-state and transient flow assumptions are compared with available experimental data. The steady-state Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes method is used to assess the overall time averaged flow and the global performance parameters. Additionally, the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) approach is employed to capture the transient flow features and the developed flow instabilities at low mass flow rates near the surge line. The aim of this study is to provide new insights on the flow instability phenomena in the compressor flow near surge. Comparison of flow solutions obtained for near-optimal efficiency and near-surge conditions are carried out.

Turbochargers are commonly used in automotive engines to increase the internal combustion engine performance during off design operation conditions. When used, a most wide operation range for the turbocharger is desired, which is limited on the compressor side by the choke condition and the surge phenomenon. The ported shroud technology is used to extend the operable working range of the compressor, which permits flow disturbances that block the blade passage to escape and stream back through the shroud cavity to the compressor inlet. The impact of this technology on a speed-line at near optimal operation condition and near surge operation condition is investigated. A numerical study investigating the flow-field in a centrifugal compressor of an automotive turbocharger has been performed using Large Eddy Simulation. The wheel rotation is handled by the numerically expensive sliding mesh technique. In this analysis, the full compressor geometry (360 deg) is considered.