The Imperative for Integrated Design in Modern Product Development
The design of high-performance turbomachinery-including compressors, turbines, pumps and fans is an undertaking marked by the inherent complexity of performance optimization, structural validation and the escalating demand for efficiency. The reliance on traditional, fragmented workflows presents a significant impediment to timely innovation.
Turbo-Tides® delivers the decisive solution: a comprehensive, unified platform that systematically guides engineers from initial thermodynamic cycle evaluation through final, high-fidelity 3D validation.
The Unified Workflow: Precision from Cycle Analysis to 3D Geometry
Turbo-Tides distinguishes itself by providing a single, integrated platform that encompasses the entire design spectrum. It utilizes mean-line and through flow solvers and industry-standard loss models to predict the results more accurately. Turbo-Tides uses data reduction model for precise model calibration based on user provided performance data.
Cycle Design and Analysis
The platform furnishes inbuilt templates for the simulation of various thermodynamic cycles as well as for multi-stage compressor sizing. This module is instrumental for obtaining a 0D estimate of the component performance for both conceptual design and comprehensive multi-point analysis integrated with component design, covering specialized systems such as:
- Rankine Cycle (basic, recuperated, reheat, regenerative, including ORC)
- Gas Turbine Cycle (basic, recuperated, with power turbine)
- Supercritical Carbon-di-oxide Cycle
- Refrigeration Cycle
- Turbocharger Matching
- Multistage Compressor sizing (including IGC).
1D Meanline Design and Data Synthesis
The Mean-line Module serves as the foundational element, supporting preliminary design and data synthesis for all machine types. The solver operates through three modes:
- Design Mode: Applies established design heuristics for initial conceptualization.
- Analysis Mode: Predicts comprehensive machine performance and generates performance maps.
- Data Reduction Mode: Employs empirical test data to auto-calibrate the analysis model, ensuring prediction fidelity across the full operating map.
Geometry Module with 2D Solvers
This module offers unparalleled capacity for interactive flow path design, crucial for both radial and axial components:
- Advanced Component Modeling: Supports sophisticated creation of impellers/blades, inlet casings and advanced volute geometry. It includes the most advanced volute editing capability.
- Flow Integrity: Enables the detailed modeling of leakage path/secondary flows.
- Integrated Analysis: Incorporates a high-speed 2D flow solver for rapid preliminary flow evaluation.
- CAD Integration: Facilitates the import and full parameterization of 3D CAD models, maximizing the utility of existing geometric data for redesign/performance enhancement. Overlaying of existing model to cross-verify the accuracy of the parameterized model.
High-Fidelity 3D Analysis and Validation
Turbo-Tides ensures reliable validation by natively integrating its 3D solvers within the design environment.
CFD Module (Finite Volume Solver)
The CFD module guarantees accurate, automated fluid dynamics analysis:
- Automated Boundary Conditions (BCs): BCs are efficiently applied based on 1D solver outputs or user defined inputs.
- Multi-Phase Modeling: Supports cavitation for pumps.
- Analysis Output: Performs multi-point analysis and automatically generates reports detailing critical metrics like thermodynamic state properties, kinematic parameters and performance details.
FEA Module (3D Structural Solution)
This module confirms structural reliability and durability:
- Comprehensive Scope: Executes structural, thermal and modal frequency analysis.
- Integrated Loading: BCs are applied automatically from the 1D solver and CFD results can be optionally mapped to the FEA model as boundary conditions.
- Interoperability: Maintains compatibility by offering file output for general-purpose FEA packages such as ANSYS® Mechanical or ABAQUS®.
Strategic Advantage: Data Synchronization and Intelligent Optimization
Turbo-Tides provides the strategic tools necessary for maximizing return on investment and achieving competitive advantage.
- Integrated AI Optimization: The platform utilizes the widest optimization algorithms, including AI-based methods. This advanced feature accelerates the design loop, enabling optimal performance convergence faster than conventional iterative processes.
- Data Management: Through Data Reduction techniques, models are auto-calibrated from empirical data. This capability, alongside integrated database management, ensures the efficient preservation and reuse of valuable design intelligence for future projects.
Conclusion
By providing a holistic and integrated design environment that spans cycle analysis to final structural validation, Turbo-Tides® not only elevates design quality but also significantly contracts the design cycle time. This capability ensures your organization can bring cutting-edge turbomachinery solutions to market with superior competitive agility.