Experimental study of an axial compressor cascade based on bionic-wavy leading edges for compressed air energy storage systems

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a highly promising technology. This paper focuses on the detailed optimization design of axial compressors with bionic-wavy leading edges for CAES systems, aiming to enhance the safety and economic efficiency of the system. Using low-speed wind tunnel cascade experiments, five-hole probe sweep measurements, and oil flow visualization methods, the study validates the aerodynamic performance improvements of the new bionic-wavy leading-edge design for compressor cascades and analyzes the secondary flow mechanisms within the cascades. The results indicate that the bionic wavy leading edge significantly reduces total pressure loss across an incidence angle range of −24° to 4°, with a maximum loss reduction of 31.3 %, which is over three times the improvement observed in existing studies. Furthermore, this biomimetic design achieves favorable performance over a wider range of incidence angles compared to previous studies. The research reveals the mechanisms of action for the bionic-wavy leading edge at different incidence angles: it alleviates large-scale backflow on the suction surface at positive incidence angles and reduces near‑leading-edge backflow and pressure surface corner separation at negative incidence angles. These findings provide valuable guidance for the design of advanced compressors.