Axial Compressor Design

Design Solution for Axial Compressors

The Concepts NREC FINE/Agile for Axial bundle delivers an integrated tool chain for the entire component design workflow of axial compressors. Starting with 1D design and analysis in AXIALTM, the designer will be quickly guided to a flow path that meets their specifications. This will result in a machine that has appropriate sizing, number of stages, and initial performance predictions. From there, more detailed analysis may be employed using AXIAL’s redesign mode to ascertain the feasibility of the machine by leveraging such tools as loss models, choke and stall predictions, and multi-point analysis to create performance maps.

The Agile link is used to seamlessly transfer all data from AXIALTM to our flagship 3D design product AxCentTM. This is where the designer can refine the design by using a pre-defined geometry parametrization, converting between parameterizations to obtain a preferred control method, and selecting a preferred stacking methods for the blade sections. These, and many more design options, are accompanied by real time updates of the 3D geometry. These changes can be moved forward into 3D CFD preparation or the Agile link may be used to return to AXIALTM and determine the impact of the 3D geometry parameterization on the 1D analysis.

All pre-processing for 3D CFD is completed using pbPostTM. Here, the designer can provide all grid parameters, loads, and boundary conditions with the convenience of never leaving the AxCentTM interface. The fully prepared analysis is then initiated, while still in the AxCentTM interface, and all numerical calculations are completed using Cadence OMNIS/Turbo CFD. Upon completion, the results of the numerical solution are returned to pbPostTM and all turbomachinery-specific post-processing is completed within the AxCentTM interface.

The Concepts NREC FINE/Agile for Axial truly provides all the tools required to meet the needs at the core of designing axial compressors.

partner-bg-img

Software Highlights

2020 Release Features

  • AXIAL's state-of-the-art loss modeling system allows for the independent selection of loss models by blade row and loss split by loss component (i.e., profile, secondary flow, partial admission, wetness losses, and more). Industry-standard loss models are included for turbines.

    • Ainley-Mathieson
    • Dunham-Came
    • Kacker-Okapuu
    • Moustapha-Kacker

    Loss models are included for compressors.

    • Koch & Smith
    • Wright & Miller
  • Real Fluid thermodynamics are integral to AXIAL, which includes built-in support for perfect and semiperfect fluid properties. Real Fluid properties are provided through several different fluid databases including DB Robinson Real Fluid Properties, NIST, and ASME Steam. AXIAL also supports condensed gases, user-modifiable fluid properties, and the barotropic fluid thermodynamic model.

  • AXIAL includes a flexible user-friendly interface and built-in performance mapping. Context-sensitive help is included for each parameter in each table cell. HTML help is also available.

  • AXIAL utilizes integrated performance map plotting. Users can view blade angles and velocity triangles at the rotor inlet and exit, as well as view results in a flexible spreadsheet-like table view. Tables are customizable through separate filters, with the user able to create any number of filters, select what to display, and customize the labels as well.

  • Users can control AXIAL from an external program by means of Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) automation. OLE automation supports the full control of data entry, program execution, and result retrieval. External programs can be written in Visual Basic, C++, FORTRAN, or any other language that supports the Microsoft® OLE standard.

  • AxCent files can be started from within AXIAL, with the initial geometry and flow parameters transferred automatically to AxCent for blade shaping/stacking, blade-to-blade analysis, throughflow analysis, and further transfer to CFD and FEA programs. The user can also update the AXIAL solution from AxCent, transferring the more complete geometry from AxCent back to the meanline model.

AXIAL's state-of-the-art loss modeling system allows for the independent selection of loss models by blade row and loss split by loss component (i.e., profile, secondary flow, partial admission, wetness losses, and more). Industry-standard loss models are included for turbines.

  • Ainley-Mathieson
  • Dunham-Came
  • Kacker-Okapuu
  • Moustapha-Kacker

Loss models are included for compressors.

  • Koch & Smith
  • Wright & Miller

Real Fluid thermodynamics are integral to AXIAL, which includes built-in support for perfect and semiperfect fluid properties. Real Fluid properties are provided through several different fluid databases including DB Robinson Real Fluid Properties, NIST, and ASME Steam. AXIAL also supports condensed gases, user-modifiable fluid properties, and the barotropic fluid thermodynamic model.

AXIAL includes a flexible user-friendly interface and built-in performance mapping. Context-sensitive help is included for each parameter in each table cell. HTML help is also available.

AXIAL utilizes integrated performance map plotting. Users can view blade angles and velocity triangles at the rotor inlet and exit, as well as view results in a flexible spreadsheet-like table view. Tables are customizable through separate filters, with the user able to create any number of filters, select what to display, and customize the labels as well.

Users can control AXIAL from an external program by means of Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) automation. OLE automation supports the full control of data entry, program execution, and result retrieval. External programs can be written in Visual Basic, C++, FORTRAN, or any other language that supports the Microsoft® OLE standard.

AxCent files can be started from within AXIAL, with the initial geometry and flow parameters transferred automatically to AxCent for blade shaping/stacking, blade-to-blade analysis, throughflow analysis, and further transfer to CFD and FEA programs. The user can also update the AXIAL solution from AxCent, transferring the more complete geometry from AxCent back to the meanline model.

Loss Modeling

AXIAL's state-of-the-art loss modeling system allows for the independent selection of loss models by blade row and loss split by loss component (i.e., profile, secondary flow, partial admission, wetness losses, and more). Industry-standard loss models are included for turbines.

  • Ainley-Mathieson
  • Dunham-Came
  • Kacker-Okapuu
  • Moustapha-Kacker

Loss models are included for compressors.

  • Koch & Smith
  • Wright & Miller

Real Fluid Thermodynamics

Real Fluid thermodynamics are integral to AXIAL, which includes built-in support for perfect and semiperfect fluid properties. Real Fluid properties are provided through several different fluid databases including DB Robinson Real Fluid Properties, NIST, and ASME Steam. AXIAL also supports condensed gases, user-modifiable fluid properties, and the barotropic fluid thermodynamic model.

User-Friendly Features

AXIAL includes a flexible user-friendly interface and built-in performance mapping. Context-sensitive help is included for each parameter in each table cell. HTML help is also available.

Graphical and Tabular View of Results

AXIAL utilizes integrated performance map plotting. Users can view blade angles and velocity triangles at the rotor inlet and exit, as well as view results in a flexible spreadsheet-like table view. Tables are customizable through separate filters, with the user able to create any number of filters, select what to display, and customize the labels as well.

OLE Automation Support

Users can control AXIAL from an external program by means of Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) automation. OLE automation supports the full control of data entry, program execution, and result retrieval. External programs can be written in Visual Basic, C++, FORTRAN, or any other language that supports the Microsoft® OLE standard.

Integration with AxCent®

AxCent files can be started from within AXIAL, with the initial geometry and flow parameters transferred automatically to AxCent for blade shaping/stacking, blade-to-blade analysis, throughflow analysis, and further transfer to CFD and FEA programs. The user can also update the AXIAL solution from AxCent, transferring the more complete geometry from AxCent back to the meanline model.

Other AXIAL Features

  • Estimate of hub and tip flow parameters
  • Evaluation of compressor stall and choking conditions for both compressors and turbines
  • Design analysis of multiple choked and stalled components, along with mass flow, pressure ratio, and power
  • Setup of an arbitrary sequence of stage elements (rotor, stator, duct, IGV, EGV, etc.)

Design Software Solution for Axial Compressors

axial_compressor_gif2

 

 

The Concepts NREC FINE/Agile for Axial bundle delivers an integrated tool chain for the entire component design workflow of axial compressors. Starting with 1D design and analysis in AXIALTM, the designer will be quickly guided to a flow path that meets their specifications. This will result in a machine that has appropriate sizing, number of stages, and initial performance predictions. From there, more detailed analysis may be employed using AXIAL’s redesign mode to ascertain the feasibility of the machine by leveraging such tools as loss models, choke and stall predictions, and multi-point analysis to create performance maps.

Product Support

Data Sheet

Detailed 3D Design and Rapid 2D Flow Analysis Module for Turbomachinery

AxCENT_Data_Sheet

Find Your Rep

Our Sales Offices are strategically located around the globe to service all your turbomachinery needs.

Upcoming Events

Tradeshows, Workshops, Webinars and more.

I came to the realization that we needed some objective insight.

We were working well with the OEM but even with our combined efforts, we were struggling to get a critical compressor to pass performance on their test stand. Although I'd never directly done business with Concepts NREC I was familiar with them and their capability so I chose to contact them when I came to the realization that we needed some objective insight. Concepts NREC fielded my cold call and immediately engaged their expertise in a complex problem that was also challenged by schedule constraints. They provided increased understanding of an already complex CFD which resulted in increased confidence that the proposed solution would succeed on the next test stand attempt (which it did!). We are pleased to have had the help of Concepts NREC and now have a well-performing compressor in our process.”

Bryan Barrington

Senior Advisor - Machinery Engineering

The Agile link is used to seamlessly transfer all data from AXIALTM to our flagship 3D design product AxCent®. This is where the designer can refine the design by using a pre-defined geometry parametrization, converting between parameterizations to obtain a preferred control method, and selecting a preferred stacking methods for the blade sections. These, and many more design options, are accompanied by real time updates of the 3D geometry. These changes can be moved forward into 3D CFD preparation or the Agile link may be used to return to AXIALTM and determine the impact of the 3D geometry parameterization on the 1D analysis.

2022_website_Axial_AxCent
2022_website_Axial_CFD

All pre-processing for 3D CFD is completed using TurboLink™. Here, the designer can provide all grid parameters, loads, and boundary conditions with the convenience of never leaving the AxCent® interface. The fully prepared analysis is then initiated, while still in the AxCent® interface, and all numerical calculations are completed using Cadence OMNIS/Turbo CFD. Upon completion, the results of the numerical solution are returned to TurboLink™ and all turbomachinery-specific post-processing is completed within the AxCent® interface.

The Concepts NREC FINE/Agile for Axial truly provides all the tools required to meet the needs at the core of designing axial compressors.

Related Blog Articles

CFD-based Throughflow Analysis: Bridging the Gap Between 1D and 3D Analyses
CAE Software
CFD-based Throughflow Analysis: Bridging the Gap Between 1D and 3D Analyses
by Steve Kohr, Director of Software Product Management & UX
Many of us have come to appreciate the expedience that 1D (meanline) analysis provides when scoping out a new design or revisiting a legacy design for use in a new application. However, we also know that this approach to design is heavily reliant on empirical models. Inherent in this design approach is, or should be, the acceptance that these empirical models are highly useful but obviously limiting and maybe not necessarily universally applicable. We are accepting the tradeoff of fidelity for time.
Continue Reading
The Gyroscopic Effect
CAE Software
The Gyroscopic Effect
by Thomas Gresham, Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
This post covers one of the fundamental issues that makes rotordynamics a unique subject: The Gyroscopic Effect. The gyroscopic effect can be observed in the behavior of spinning tops, fidget spinners, inertial navigation systems, and many types of turbomachinery. If you have ever tried to tilt an object while it is spinning, then you may have noticed this effect.
Continue Reading
Part 2: Hydrogen Turbomachinery Design
CAE Software
Part 2: Hydrogen Turbomachinery Design
by Mark R. Anderson, Chief Technical Officer, Concepts NREC
Hydrogen is attracting a lot of interest in different circles these days from: propulsion, to energy storage, to personal transportation. The most obvious benefit of hydrogen fuel is a total lack of carbon in the exhaust products. This is rare for a fuel that’s a fairly high energy substance to begin with. More specifically, its high energy in terms of energy per unit of weight but somewhat less so in terms of volume.
Continue Reading