Patent attributes
A compressor includes a diffuser, a recirculation duct, and a flow control valve. The recirculation duct has an inlet in fluid communication with the air outlet of the diffuser, and an outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet of the diffuser. The flow control valve is selectively moveable between open and closed positions, to thereby fluidly couple and isolate, respectively, the recirculation duct inlet and outlets. During operation of the compressor, the flow control valve may be opened, which circulates a portion of the compressed air discharged from the diffuser air outlet back to the diffuser air inlet. The air that is circulated back to the diffuser air inlet reduces the effective area of the diffuser air inlet, thereby increasing the surge margin of the compressor.
