An Integrated Design and Optimization Approach for Radial Inflow Turbines—Part I: Automated Preliminary Design

Abstract

An integrated design and optimization approach was developed for radial inflow turbines, which consists of two modules, an automated preliminary design module, and a flexible three-dimensional multidisciplinary optimization module. In this paper, the first module about the automated preliminary design approach was presented in detail and validated by the experimental data. The approach employs a genetic algorithm to explore the design space defined by the loading coefficient, flow coefficient, and rotational speed. The aim is to obtain the best design scheme with high aerodynamic performance under specified constraints and to reduce the dependency on human experiences when designing a radial inflow turbine. The validation results show that the present approach is able to get the optimal design and alleviate the dependence on the designer’s expertise under specified constraints at the preliminary design stage. Furthermore, the optimization results indicate that using the present optimization approach the total-to-static efficiency of the optimized T-100 radial inflow turbine can be increased by 1.0% under design condition and the rotor weight can be decreased by 0.35 kg (26.7%) as compared with that of the original case.

Numerical Investigation on Aerodynamic Performance of SCO2 and Air Radial-Inflow Turbines with Different Solidity Structures

“…Four common turbulence models for turbomachinery simulation including k-ε, RNG k-ε, k-ω, and SST k-ω are adopted and the validation results are given in Figure 6. It can be seen from Figure 6 that compared with the results in [29], the mass flow rate and efficiency calculated by k-ε models are higher. Compared with the experiment, we adopt a shrouded impeller in the design.…”

“…In order to validate the method of CFD simulation, we choose a similar radial-inflow turbine working with air from Deng et al [29], which possesses experimental results. A CFD simulation with Deng's model and boundary conditions under design point is conducted.…”

An Integrated Design and Optimization Approach for Radial Inflow Turbines—Part II: Multidisciplinary Optimization Design

“…The first control point at the hub section is fixed and the rest can be modified in a prescribed range. The 3-D camber line can be obtained using the transformation according to Figure 7 in Part I [20]. The thickness distribution is added and normal to the camber line at the hub and tip sections in both directions, and the blade shape between the two sections is interpolated.…”

“…In this study, an integrated design and optimization approach for radial inflow turbines was proposed, which consists of an automated preliminary design module and a flexible 3-D multidisciplinary optimization module. In Part I [20], an automated preliminary design approach for radial inflow turbines has been developed to reduce the dependency on human expertise by Genetic Algorithm (GA) driving exploration of the design space. The approach was verified by T-100 turbine [21] and the redesign work was conducted to demonstrate it.…”

“…As Part II of this integrated design approach, a 3-D multidisciplinary optimization method is developed to maximize the total-to-static efficiency and minimize the rotor weight while keeping the mass flow rate constant and guaranteeing the mechanical integrity of the rotor. Based on the geometrical and aerodynamic parameters of T-100 turbine and T-100re turbine obtained in Part I [20], the nozzle aerodynamic optimization and rotor multidisciplinary optimization for the two turbines are carried out in this paper, respectively.…”