Global Sensitivity Analysis of a Multi-Cylinder Automotive Reciprocating Compressor

The objective of this paper is to perform sensitivity analysis of a compressor simulation model using a global sensitivity analysis method. In this paper, Sobol’s method of global sensitivity analysis, which is based on decomposition of variance, is applied to a compressor simulation model. A previously developed and tested compressor simulation model is used to perform sensitivity analysis of gas pulsations in the suction manifold of a multicylinder reciprocating compressor. The focus of the research is to determine the sensitivity of gas pulsations in the suction manifold of the compressor to three design parameters, namely, radius, width and depth of the suction manifold. Sobol’s method of global sensitivity analysis was used to calculate the first order effect and total effect of the suction manifold radius, width and depth on the manifold pressure response. It was also showed that suction manifold pressure response was most sensitive to changes in manifold radius, followed by manifold width and depth. This method of sensitivity analysis can be readily extended to any compressor simulation model.