Thermodynamic Cycle Analysis

Software Highlights

2022_website_CYCAL

The newest edition to the Concepts NREC turbomachinery design software suite is a 1D thermodynamic cycle calculation tool, CYCAL. This system-level product initiates the component design workflow by calculating the critical fluid property information required by downstream 1D and 3D Concepts NREC design tools such as COMPAL and AxCent.

An interactive, drag-and-drop, canvas and palette interface allows the user to easily build any custom system that most accurately simulates their machine design. Templates for common systems are also provided to streamline and accelerate the cycle analysis process. CYCAL is designed to handle both open and closed cycles with ease.

CYCAL will function stand-alone; providing all the fluid property data at any given location in the cycle. However, when coupled with any of the Concepts 1D, meanline design tools in integrated mode, a step-change in value can be realized by affording the designer the capacity to simultaneously size the component while meeting the needs of the system!

In its current form CYCAL accommodates several applications including air compression, separation, and refrigeration. More applications will be addressed with each new release of CYCAL. Please let us know what cycles you want to see added to best fit your needs!

The Agile link is used to seamlessly transfer all data from PUMPALTM to our flagship 3D design product AxCentTM. This is where the designer can refine the design by modifying distributions such as beta angle, lean, blade thickness, and many other geometric design parameters 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 PUMPALTM and determine the impact of the 3D geometry parameterization on the 1D analysis.

AxCent
pbPost-forward - base

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.

Design Software Solution for Turbo Pumps

The Concepts NREC FINE/Agile for Turbo Pumps bundle delivers an integrated tool chain for the entire component design workflow of turbo pumps. Starting with a wizard-based 1D design and analysis in PUMPALTM, 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 to ascertain the feasibility of the machine by leveraging such tools as multi-point analysis to create performance maps.

The Agile link is used to seamlessly transfer all data from PUMPALTM to our flagship 3D design product AxCentTM. This is where the designer can refine the design by modifying distributions such as beta angle, lean, blade thickness, and many other geometric design parameters 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 PUMPALTM 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 Turbo Pumps truly provides all the tools required to meet the needs at the core of designing turbo pumps.

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  • 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.

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.)

Product Support

Customer-driven Improvement
AxCent has been continuously improved with annual releases since 1983. Nearly two hundred licenses shared by nearly four hundred users worldwide make AxCent the most mature and robust turbomachinery design software available today. Each year, the most requested features from Concepts NREC’s formal ballot process are incorporated into the new AxCent release.
Technical Support
Our support staff in North America, Europe, and the Far East includes experienced turbomachinery designers. Our software maintenance plan, Agile Products Support (APS), features traditional software upgrades, a help line, and regular design reviews conducted by our engineering staff, who also teaches our renowned turbomachinery courses.
Documentation
Documentation features make AxCent easy to use and include comprehensive HTML HELP plus step-by-step tutorials. User guides for designing radial and axial machines include Designing Axial Machines With AxCent and Designing Radial Machines With AxCent. Both guides are available in print or in searchable PDF format.

Data Sheet

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

Download Data Sheet
AxCENT_Data_Sheet

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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

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