OPTIMIZATION OF THE WORKFLOW OF MULTISTAGE AXIAL COMPRESSORS USING MODERN GAS DYNAMICS COMPUTING SYSTEMS

摘要

Current developmental level of computers and numerical methods of gas dynamics makes it possible to optimize compressors using 3D CFD models. Design variants for the compressor can be automatically generated that best suit all the design requirements and limitations. However, the methods and tool for optimizing compressors are not sufficiently developed for the successful application. The problems lie in the large size of the calculation model, the solution time and the requirements for computer resources. In present study, a method for finding the optimal configuration of the blades of multi-stage axial compressors using 3D CFD modeling and commercial optimization programs as the main tools was developed. The basic parameters of the compressor (efficiency, pressure ratio, mass flow rate, etc.) can be improved using the created method correcting the shape of the blade profiles and their relative position. The method considers presence of various constraints. When developing the method, special attention was paid to the creation of an algorithm for parameterizing the blade shape and a program based on it, which can automatically change the shape of the axial compressor blades. They were used by the authors during optimization as a tool that converts variable parameters into the "new " blade geometry. Recommendations were also found on the rational settings for the CFD models used in the optimization of axial compressors. The paper provides a brief overview of several works related to the optimization of multi-stage gas turbine axial compressors for various purposes (number of stages from 3 to 15), successfully performed using the developed method. As a result, an increase was achieved in efficiency, pressure ratio and stability margins.