Three Dimensional Design and Optimization of a Transonic Rotor in Axial Flow Compressors

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidetaka Okui ◽  
Tom Verstraete ◽  
R. A. Van den Braembussche ◽  
Zuheyr Alsalihi
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Differential Evolutionary Algorithm ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents a 3-D optimization of a moderately loaded transonic compressor rotor by means of a multi-objective optimization system. The latter makes use of a Differential Evolutionary Algorithm in combination with an Artificial Neural Network and a 3D Navier-Stokes solver. Operating it on a cluster of 30 processors enabled the optimization of a large design space composed of the tip camber line and spanwise distribution of sweep and chord length. Objectives were an increase of efficiency at unchanged stall margin by controlling the shock waves and off-design performance curve. First, tests on a single blade row allowed a better understanding of the impact of the different design parameters. Forward sweep with unchanged camber improved the peak efficiency by only 0.3% with a small increase of the stall margin. Backward sweep with an optimized S shaped camber line improved the efficiency by 0.6% with unchanged stall margin. It is explained how the camber line control could introduce the forward sweep effect and compensate the negative effects of the backward sweep. The best results (0.7% increase in efficiency and unchanged stall margin) have been obtained by a stage optimization that also considered the spanwise redistribution of the rotor flow and loading to reduce the Mach number at the stator hub.

Three-Dimensional Design and Optimization of a Transonic Rotor in Axial Flow Compressors

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidetaka Okui ◽  
Tom Verstraete ◽  
R. A. Van den Braembussche ◽  
Zuheyr Alsalihi
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Design Performance ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Differential Evolutionary Algorithm ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents a 3-D optimization of a moderately loaded transonic compressor rotor by means of a multiobjective optimization system. The latter makes use of a differential evolutionary algorithm in combination with an Artificial Neural Network and a 3D Navier-Stokes solver. Operating it on a cluster of 30 processors enabled the evaluation of the off-design performance and the exploration of a large design space composed of the camber line and spanwise distribution of sweep and chord length. Objectives were an increase of efficiency at unchanged stall margin by controlling the shock waves and off-design performance curve. First designs of single blade rows allowed a better understanding of the impact of the different design parameters. Forward sweep with unchanged camber improved the peak efficiency by only 0.3% with the same stall margin. Backward sweep with an optimized S shaped camber line improved the efficiency by 0.6% at unchanged stall margin. It is explained how the camber line control can introduce the same effect as forward sweep and compensate the expected negative effects of backward sweep. The best results (0.7% increase in efficiency and unchanged stall margin) have been obtained by a stage optimization that allows also a spanwise redistribution of the rotor flow and an increase of loading by extra flow turning. The latter compensates the loading shift induced by the backward sweep in order to reduce the inlet Mach number at the downstream stator hub.

Axial-Slot Casing Treatments Improve the Efficiency of Axial Flow Compressors: Aerodynamic Effects of a Rotor Redesign

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Anton Streit ◽  
Frank Heinichen ◽  
Hans-Peter Kau
Keyword(s):  
Axial Flow ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Casing Treatment ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Flow Phenomena ◽  
Casing Treatments

A state-of-the-art transonic compressor rotor has a distinct potential for increased efficiency if modified for improved interaction with an axial-slot type casing treatment. Reducing the number of blades and thus the surface lowers friction losses but increases tip clearance effects and deteriorates the stall margin due to the higher aerodynamic blade loading. The latter two negative effects can be compensated for by the casing treatment, thus restoring the required stall margin and gaining an overall reduction of losses. For the specific compressor rotor under investigation, the potential in polytropic efficiency is as high as 0.7%. The present study was performed using time-accurate CFD (URANS) simulations. Both the reference rotor as well as the modified design are analyzed regarding their interaction with the casing treatment. The traceability of the conclusions is assured by interpreting the detailed flow phenomena. The newly designed rotor is found to be favorably influenced by the casing treatment at design operating conditions whilst the reference only benefits at throttled operating points. Casing treatments are commonly used to broaden the operating range of existing compressors without changing the design of the compressor rotor itself. This study aims to show the possible transformation of this potential in the stall margin into efficiency at design operating conditions by implementing an appropriate rotor design.

Aerodynamic Design Optimization of an Axial Flow Compressor Rotor

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chan-Sol Ahn ◽  
Kwang-Yong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Design Optimization ◽  
Response Surface ◽  
Computing Time ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Design Variables

Design optimization of a transonic compressor rotor (NASA rotor 37) using the response surface method and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis has been carried out in this work. The Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model was used in the flow analysis. Three design variables were selected to optimize the stacking line of the blade. Data points for response evaluations were selected by D-optimal design, and linear programming method was used for the optimization on the response surface. As a main result of the optimization, adiabatic efficiency was successfully improved. It was found that the optimization process provides reliable design of a turbomachinery blade with reasonable computing time.

Influencing Parameters of Tip Blowing Interacting With Rotor Tip Flow

2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyril Guinet ◽  
André Inzenhofer ◽  
Volker Gümmer
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Model ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Axial Position ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Casing Treatment ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Casing Treatments

The design space of axial-flow compressors is restricted by stability issues. Different axial-type casing treatments (CTs) have shown their ability to enhance compressor stability and to influence efficiency. Casing treatments have proven to be effective, but there still is need for more detailed investigations and gain of understanding for the underlying flow mechanism. Casing treatments are known to have a multitude of effects on the near-casing 3D flow field. For transonic compressor rotors, these are more complex, as super- and subsonic flow regions alternate while interacting with the casing treatment. To derive design rules, it is important to quantify the influence of the casing treatment on the different tip flow phenomena. Designing a casing treatment in a way that it antagonizes only the deteriorating secondary flow effects can be seen as a method to enhance stability while increasing efficiency. The numerical studies are carried out on a tip-critical rotor of a 1.5-stage transonic axial compressor. The examined recirculating tip blowing casing treatment (TBCT) consists of a recirculating channel with an air off-take above the rotor and an injection nozzle in front of the rotor. The design and functioning of the casing treatment are influenced by various parameters. A variation of the geometry of the tip blowing, more specifically the nozzle aspect ratio, the axial position, or the tangential orientation of the injection port, was carried out to identify key levers. The tip blowing casing treatment is defined as a parameterized geometric model and is automatically meshed. A sensitivity analysis of the respective design parameters of the tip blowing is carried out on a single rotor row. Their impact on overall efficiency and their ability to improve stall margin are evaluated. The study is carried out using unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations.

scholarly journals Inner Workings of Aerodynamic Sweep

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Wadia ◽  
P. N. Szucs ◽  
D. W. Crall
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Surface Boundary ◽  
Surface Boundary Layer ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
The Impact

The recent trend in using aerodynamic sweep to improve the performance of transonic blading has been one of the more significant technological evolutions for compression components in turbomachinery. This paper reports on the experimental and analytical assessment of the pay-off derived from both aft and forward sweep technology with respect to aerodynamic performance and stability. The single stage experimental investigation includes two aft-swept rotors with varying degree and type of aerodynamic sweep and one swept forward rotor. On a back-to-back test basis, the results are compared with an unswept rotor with excellent performance and adequate stall margin. Although designed to satisfy identical design speed requirements as the unswept rotor, the experimental results reveal significant variations in efficiency and stall margin with the swept rotors. At design speed, all the swept rotors demonstrated a peak stage efficiency level that was equal to that of the unswept rotor. However, the forward-swept rotor achieved the highest rotor-alone peak efficiency. At the same time, the forward-swept rotor demonstrated a significant improvement in stall margin relative to the already satisfactory level achieved by the unswept rotor. Increasing the level of aft sweep adversely affected the stall margin. A three-dimensional viscous flow analysis was used to assist in the interpretation of the data. The reduced shock/boundary layer interaction, resulting from reduced axial flow diffusion and less accumulation of centrifuged blade surface boundary layer at the up, was identified as the prime contributor to the enhanced performance with forward sweep. The impact of tip clearance on the performance and stability for one of the aft-swept rotors was also assessed.

A Numerical Analysis of the Three-Dimensional Viscous Flow in a Transonic Compressor Rotor and Comparison With Experiment

1987 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. N. Dawes
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Viscous Effects ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Compressor Rotor

The numerical analysis of highly loaded transonic compressors continues to be of considerable interest. Although much progress has been made with inviscid analyses, viscous effects can be very significant, especially those associated with shock–boundary layer interactions. While inviscid analyses have been enhanced by the interactive inclusion of blade surf ace boundary layer calculations, it may be better in the long term to develop efficient algorithms to solve the full three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations. Indeed, it seems that many phenomena of key interest, like tip clearance flows, may only be accessible to a Navier–Stokes solver. The present paper describes a computer program developed for solving the three-dimensional viscous compressible flow equations in turbomachine geometries. The code is applied to the study of the flowfield in an axial-flow transonic compressor rotor with an attempt to resolve the tip clearance flow. The predicted flow is compared with laser anemometry measurements and good agreement is found.

Performance enhancement in transonic axial compressors using blade tip injection coupled with casing treatment

2005 ◽  
Vol 219 (5) ◽  
pp. 321-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. H. Beheshti ◽  
B Farhanieh ◽  
K Ghorbanian ◽  
J. A. Teixeira ◽  
P. C. Ivey
Keyword(s):  
Flow Injection ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Casing Treatment ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Tip Injection

The casing treatment and flow injection upstream of the rotor tip are two effective approaches in suppressing instabilities or recovering from a fully developed stall. This paper presents numerical simulations for a high-speed transonic compressor rotor, NASA Rotor 37, applying a state-of-the-art design for the blade tip injection. This is characterized by introducing a jet flow directly into the casing treatment machined into the shroud. The casing treatment is positioned over the blade tip region and exceeds the impeller axially by ∼30 per cent of the tip chord both in the upstream and in the downstream directions. To numerically solve the governing equations, the three-dimensional finite element based finite volume method CFD solver CFX-TASCflow (version 2.12.1) is employed. For a compressible flow with varying density, Reynolds-averaging leads to appearance of complicated correlations. To avoid this, the mass-weighted or Favre-averaging is applied. Using an injected mass flow of 2.4 per cent of the annulus flow, the present design can improve stall margin by up to 7 per cent when compared with a smooth casing compressor without tip injection. This research can lead to an optimum design of recirculating casing treatments or other mechanisms for performance enhancement applying tip flow injection.

Influencing Parameters of a Tip Blowing Interacting With Rotor Tip Flow

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cyril Guinet ◽  
André Inzenhofer ◽  
Volker Gümmer
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Model ◽  
Axial Compressor ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Axial Position ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Casing Treatment ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Flow Phenomena ◽  
Casing Treatments

The design space of axial-flow compressors is restricted by stability issues. Different axial-type casing treatments have shown their ability to enhance compressor stability and to influence efficiency. Casing treatments have proven to be effective, but there still is need for more detailed investigations and gain of understanding for the underlying flow mechanism. Casing treatments are known to have a multitude of effects on the near-casing 3D flow field. For transonic compressor rotors these are more complex, as super- and subsonic flow regions alternate while interacting with the casing treatment. To derive design rules it is important to quantify the influence of the casing treatment on the different tip flow phenomena. Designing a casing treatment in a way that it antagonizes only the deteriorating secondary flow effects can be seen as a method to enhance stability while increasing efficiency. The numerical studies are carried out on a tip-critical rotor of a 1.5 stage transonic axial compressor. The examined recirculating tip blowing casing treatment, which consists of a recirculating channel with an air off-take above the rotor and an injection nozzle in front of the rotor. The design and functioning of the casing treatment is influenced by various parameters. A variation of the geometry of the tip blowing, more specifically the nozzle aspect ratio, the axial position or the tangential orientation of the injection port, was carried out to identify key levers. The tip blowing casing treatment is defined as a parameterized geometric model and is automatically meshed. A sensitivity analysis of the respective design parameters of the tip blowing is carried out on a single rotor row. Their impact on overall efficiency and their ability to improve stall margin is evaluated. The study is carried out using URANS simulations.

Inner Workings of Aerodynamic Sweep

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (4) ◽  
pp. 671-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Wadia ◽  
P. N. Szucs ◽  
D. W. Crall
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Surface Boundary ◽  
Surface Boundary Layer ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
The Impact

The recent trend in using aerodynamic sweep to improve the performance of transonic blading has been one of the more significant technological evolutions for compression components in turbomachinery. This paper reports on the experimental and analytical assessment of the pay-off derived from both aft and forward sweep technology with respect to aerodynamic performance and stability. The single-stage experimental investigation includes two aft-swept rotors with varying degree and type of aerodynamic sweep and one swept forward rotor. On a back-to-back test basis, the results are compared with an unswept rotor with excellent performance and adequate stall margin. Although designed to satisfy identical design speed requirements as the unswept rotor, the experimental results reveal significant variations in efficiency and stall margin with the swept rotors. At design speed, all the swept rotors demonstrated a peak stage efficiency level that was equal to that of the unswept rotor. However, the forward-swept rotor achieved the highest rotor-alone peak efficiency. At the same time, the forward-swept rotor demonstrated a significant improvement in stall margin relative to the already satisfactory level achieved by the unswept rotor. Increasing the level of aft swept adversely affected the stall margin. A three-dimensional viscous flow analysis was used to assist in the interpretation of the data. The reduced shock/boundary layer interaction, resulting from reduced axial flow diffusion and less accumulation of centrifuged blade surface boundary layer at the tip, was identified as the prime contributor to the enhanced performance with forward sweep. The impact of tip clearance on the performance and stability for one of the aft-swept rotors was also assessed.

Effect of forward sweep in a transonic compressor rotor

2003 ◽  
Vol 217 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Passrucker ◽  
M Engber ◽  
S Kablitz ◽  
D. K. Hennecke
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Separated Flow ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Stall Margin ◽  
Baseline Design ◽  
Transonic Compressor ◽  
Compressor Rotor ◽  
Blade Tip ◽  
Design And Testing

This paper presents the design and testing of a transonic compressor rotor with forward sweep. The rotor was used to investigate the influence of forward sweep on the performance and stability of a single-stage transonic compressor compared with a baseline design with radially stacked blade sections. The comparison was done numerically with the three-dimensional Navier—Stokes code TRACE-S and experimentally in the Darmstadt transonic compressor test rig. It was found that the new rotor with forward sweep has an increased efficiency and also a much better stall margin (much more in the rig test than predicted by the three-dimensional Navier—Stokes calculation). Particularly close to stall, the forward sweep diverts the flow towards the blade tip region which helps to stabilise this region. For that reason it is possible to throttle the forward-swept rotor much further than the radially stacked rotor, although the forward-swept rotor does already suffer from separated flow in the hub.

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