Flow instabilities detection in centrifugal blower using empirical mode decomposition

The aim of this article is to present the application of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) for centrifugal blower flow instabilities detection. The analysis of pressure signal features extracted by EMD technique provides indicators of flow phenomena, which could be used for creating an efficient data-based controller. Quasi-dynamic pressure signals from industrial-size blower are used as an input data for EMD algorithms. An energy-based approach to intrinsic mode functions (IMF) is applied, showing the possibility of condition monitoring and instabilities detection, distinctly displaying surge conditions and inlet recirculation. Different intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are used to detect different instabilities. EMD also presents some potential in detection of optimal operation conditions for impeller, providing additional benefit for a control system. The possibilities of EMD analysis applied to centrifugal blowers and compressors will be further investigated.