Peter: Your Smart Assistant for Engineering Innovation

Posted by Josh Morrill

As an engineer in the turbomachinery world, staying updated and informed on how to optimize your design process can be daunting, especially with the rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.

Enter Peter, a revolutionary addition to SoftInWay’s suite of engineering tools. This AI-powered assistant is set to make things easy for engineers and their teams, who are now able to access and interact with knowledge of the industry-leading AxSTREAM software, making complex design and optimization tactics more accessible than ever before.

What is Peter?

Peter is an intelligent virtual workmate developed by SoftInWay, designed to streamline the process of acquiring and applying engineering knowledge more efficiently. This innovative tool integrates the power of artificial intelligence with the extensive AxSTREAM turbomachinery application database.

The result is a dynamic assistant that is capable of providing instant, accurate information tailored to your specific engineering needs across all of the AxSTREAM modules. Need to know the basics of axial compressor design? Peter is there to help. Need to get into the weeds of convective heat transfer in System Simulation? Peter has your back. How about an Organic Rankine Cycle tutorial? You guessed it, Peter won’t let you down.

Why Peter?

Petr Pagur

This AI advancement from SoftInWay was named after the lead developer of the AxSTREAM platform, Petr (Peter) Pagur, who was one of the world’s most accomplished software developers. When the idea of AxSTREAM first came about in the early 2000s, SoftInWay CEO Leonid Moroz called upon Petr – his dear friend and most trusted developer – who was crucial when mapping out the construction of the platform. Read More

What Exactly is a Mixed-Flow Turbomachine?

Posted by Fengting Du

A review of the literature on mixed-flow turbomachinery reveals a surprising variation in the ways engineers use the term ‘mixed-flow turbomachine’. In particular, two main conceptions of the term stand out. On the first conception, ‘mixed-flow’ refers to the union of axial and radial flow directions into one diagonal flow, resulting in what some call diagonal turbomachines. In the second conception, ‘mixed-flow’ refers to the combination of distinct elements where the flow is axial in some and radial in others. This kind of machine is sometimes called an axial-radial combined turbomachine.

Diagonal turbomachines utilize a flow angle that is between axial and radial and may be considered mere variants of radial machines. The diagonal flow angle allows these machines to enjoy some benefits from both axial and radial flows. In contrast, axial-radial combined turbomachines represent a strategic integration of both axial and centrifugal designs.

In light of the ambiguous use of the term, one might reasonably wonder what truly defines a mixed-flow turbomachine. Is it the convergence of flow directions, the strategic blending of different machine types, or a fusion of design elements?

Figure 1. 3D view of a mixed-flow (diagonal) compressor in AxSTREAM

Diagonal turbomachines are characterized by their flow’s meridional exit angle, which ranges between 0 and 90 degrees. This geometry enables the flow to exit closer to an axial direction, with the exit mean radius greater than that of the inlet. In mixed-flow compressors, this design facilitates higher efficiencies within a constrained cross-sectional area. This advantageous setup addresses a critical need in various applications like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where the integration of gas turbines demands superior performance within limited spatial constraints as well as a high thrust-to-weight ratio. Read More

Holistic Modeling of Energy Conversion & Propulsion Systems using 0D – 3D Approaches

Posted by Serhan Memuk

The fields of energy conversion and propulsion systems stand at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements in transportation, aerospace, and sustainable energy solutions. In the quest for optimized performance and efficiency, researchers are increasingly turning to holistic modeling approaches that bridge the gap between 0D and 3D simulations. The integration of simulation levels offers a more comprehensive understanding of complex systems by combining simplified, yet accurate, 0D models with highly detailed 3D representations. In this exploration of holistic modeling, we’ll look into how combining 0D and 3D perspectives is essential for designing, analyzing, and optimizing various systems such as steam power plants and rocket propulsion.

Holistic modeling combines simplified 0D models with detailed 3D simulations, allowing engineers and scientists to get a complete picture of how different components interact within systems. This approach considers both the big picture and the finer details, providing a more faithful view of how systems work in the real world.

Figure 1 Holistic Modeling Framework in the AxSTREAM Platform

Energy conversion and propulsion systems operate as thermodynamic cycles, which engineers must design, evaluate, and optimize. The engineer’s process requires simulation of how a new or existing system and its components perform under different conditions. However, given the sheer multitude of components involved in such cycles, software tools are absolutely necessary for studying cycle operation and component interaction. AxSTREAM System Simulation is SoftInWay’s software tool that enables engineers to study and optimize cycles using methods such as Design of Experiment and Monte Carlo. The platform provides a virtual lab where one can tweak and test different setups to find the most desirable ones, both at steady states and in transient conditions. Read More

Gas Turbine Units and Their Impact on the Environment – Part 2

Posted by Alexander Yudin

Part 1

As discussed in Part 1 of this blog, Part Two will delve into various development strategies aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing gas turbine performance. Several approaches are currently being explored or employed to mitigate exhaust gas toxicity, as outlined below:

  1. Injection of water or steam into the combustion chamber of a gas turbine unit to boost power and reduce NOx content.
  2. Creation of low-emission multi-zone combustion chambers with variable geometry, pneumatic nozzles, and special flame stabilization.
  3. The use of catalytic combustion chambers or coherent afterburning systems.
  4. Use of environmentally friendly fuel – hydrogen as the main and additional fuel.

 

As previously mentioned, the toxicity and composition of exhaust gases from a gas turbine plant depend on the type of fuel used. For instance, a critical factor in understanding the mechanism of NOx generation in fuels is the content of chemically bound nitrogen [N]. However, NOx and CO emissions exhibit opposite dependencies on most parameters in the combustion zone (temperature, residence time, volume of the combustion zone, air flow, etc.), prompting the search for a compromise solution to minimize them.

As an illustration, Figure 5a depicts the dependencies of mass emissions of NOx and CO, and the excess air factor when using burner devices with diffusion mixture formation in afterburning chambers [9]. At α = 1.7…2.0, NOx and CO emissions are minimal. Figure 5b illustrates the dependence of NOx and CO emissions on temperature.

Figure 6 - Effect of Air Excess Factor and Temperature on NOx and CO Emissions
Figure 6 – Effect of Air Excess Factor and Temperature on NOx and CO Emissions [9,10]
Read More

SoftInWay Year-End Review – 2023 Edition

Posted by Kimberley Squillante

As we bid farewell to a dynamic year, we want to take a stroll down memory lane, shedding light on the milestones and developments that made this year so special. From new software features to our first ever user meeting and our collaboration with ESA, we’ve experienced our fair share of excitement. So, let’s kick back and reminisce about the highlights that have shaped our journey in 2023!

New Software Features and Releases:

Since the inception of AxSTREAM, our commitment to addressing clients’ needs has fueled our development approach. In a rapidly evolving industry, having the right tools is essential for achieving project goals and staying ahead of demand. In 2023, we took significant strides with AxSTREAM, introducing key advancements:

AxSTREAM System Simulation:

This year marked the official release of AxSTREAM System Simulation— merging SoftInWay’s AxCYCLE and AxSTREAM NET legacy tools. Offering a flexible interface, this software empowers engineers to model and analyze thermodynamic cycles and fluid systems seamlessly. Its integrated 0D-1D reduced-order modeling eliminates interface gaps between siloed software, making it an ideal environment for digital twin modeling. Since its January release, the software has evolved with expanded features, including additional thermal and fluid components, multi-run capabilities, and specialized considerations and capabilities for applications like rocket engines, small modular reactors, fuel cells, and energy storage systems. AxSTREAM System Simulation paves the way for a holistic approach to system modeling and design, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Stay tuned for more updates in 2024!

Figure 1 – AxSTREAM System Simulation for Coupled 0D-1D System Modeling

AxSTREAM for Axial Machines

  • Ability to design machines with supersonic convergent-divergent vaned nozzles, suitable for high-loaded steam and gas turbines operating at elevated heat drops and Mach numbers.
  • Introduction of advanced 3D capabilities for designing turbines with drilled nozzles.

 

AxSTREAM for Radial Machines

  • Enhanced volute design capabilities now include the option to design those with simple spiral volute types, facilitating the creation of trapezoidal-shaped volutes.

 

AxSTREAM ION

  • Addition of workflow blocks for advanced integration and automation.
  • Redesigned graphical interface based on user feedback, featuring customizable layouts and streamlined variable handling.
  • Improved workflow calculations with file protection and parallel processing.
  • Enhanced Parallel mode for faster, stable performance.
  • Post-processing tools for visualization, analysis, and optimization without recalculating workflow.

 

­AI Support Chatbot

This year also saw the debut of Wikibot, representing the first iteration of AI support from SoftInWay to enhance and complement our renowned support team. Functioning as a chatbot, Wikibot utilizes advanced AI technology to deliver up-to-date information in a prompt and conversational format. Initially available for System Simulation, Wikibot will progressively extend its support across the entire SoftInWay platform in subsequent releases. Read More

Gas Turbine Units and Their Impact on the Environment – Part 1

Posted by Alexander Yudin

Part 2

The earliest device for extracting rotary mechanical energy from a flowing gas stream was the windmill. It was followed by the smokejack, first sketched by Leonardo da Vinci and subsequently described in detail by John Wilkins, an English clergyman, in 1648. This device consisted of a number of horizontal sails that were mounted on a vertical shaft and driven by the hot air rising from a chimney. With the aid of a simple gearing system, the smokejack was used to turn a roasting spit. Various impulse and reaction air-turbine drives were developed during the 19th century, making use of air compressed externally by a reciprocating compressor to drive rotary drills, saws, and other devices. While many such units are still in use, they bear little resemblance to the modern gas turbine engine, which includes a compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine to make up a self-contained prime mover. The first patent approximating such a system was issued to John Barber of England in 1791, though no working model was ever built [1].

The first successful gas turbine, built in Paris between 1903 and 1906, consisted of a three-cylinder, multistage reciprocating compressor, a combustion chamber, and an impulse turbine. It operated by supplying air from the compressor, which was then burned in the combustion chamber with liquid fuel. The resulting gases were cooled somewhat by the injection of water and then fed to an impulse turbine. This system, with a thermal efficiency of about 3 percent, demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of a practical gas turbine engine [1]. More detailed information about the history of the development of gas turbine units can be found in [2].

Figure 1: The Armengaud-Lemale Early Experimental Gas Turbine. St Denis, Paris,1906.

Continuous engineering development has significantly increased the electrical efficiency, advancing from 18% in the first commercially operational gas turbine, the 1939 Neuchatel gas turbine, to current maximum levels of approximately 40% for simple cycle operation (Figure 2, a). Gas turbines find application in various fields, including powering aircraft, trains, ships, generating electricity in power plants, powering pumps, gas compressors, tanks, marine propulsion, locomotive propulsion, and automotive propulsion.

Improvements to the simple cycle and additions of steam turbine bottoming cycles offer the capability of further increases in efficiency. Today, a combined gas turbine and steam turbine cycle is capable of achieving an efficiency of almost 60% (Figure 2, b) [3]. Figure 3 shows a timeline of the development of power generation technology. Read More

Automated 1D Analysis of Stall Inception in Multistage Compressors

Posted by Ben Conser

During the design process of a multistage compressor, engineers need to consider a wide variety of geometric and performance parameters. If a particular compressor design exhibits poor performance, the engineer can make geometric changes to compensate. One crucial parameter in this regard is the stall inception point and the corresponding surge margin of a specific design. The stall points for several speedlines make up the Stall Line of a compressor performance map (as in Figure 1).  This line designates the lowest flow rates a compressor can stably operate at. If there is an issue with the stall point of a given design, wouldn’t it be advantageous for the engineer to identify it as early as possible in the design process? SoftInWay has developed a methodology that can quickly predict the onset of stall using a 1D-solver approach.

 

Figure 1: Example of a Compressor Performance Map

While there are several definitions of stall that one could use, we employed a definition based on the total-static pressure ratio. According to this criterion, a compressor stage is said to be stalling if its total-static pressure ratio decreases as the mass flow rate through the compressor decreases. This type of definition of stall has been used previously in other studies [1]. Another way to state this is when the slope of the total-static pressure ratio speedline reaches zero, the stall point is reached. Read More

Axial or Radial? Selecting the Ideal Turbomachinery Configuration Considering Rotor Dynamic Constraints

Posted by Yana Solomonova

In many industrial applications, from power generation to aviation, turbomachinery is essential. A crucial choice to be made during the design phase is whether to go with an axial or radial configuration. This decision significantly influences the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the turbomachine.

The primary distinction between axial and radial turbines lies in the way fluid flows through the components (compressor and turbine). These two types of turbine configurations are illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1 3D Image of a Radial and Axial Turbine Made in AxSTREAM, [1]
However, it is also important to remember that both axial and radial turbomachinery configurations have advantages and disadvantages, and they can be applied to various types of machines.

Read More

Heat Pump Applications and Modern Design Strategies

Posted by Victoria Pavlova

A heat pump serves as an alternative to gas or electric boilers, relying on the production of heat. Unlike boilers, a heat pump doesn’t generate heat but extracts energy from the air, water, or ground.

Figure 1 – Example of Heat Pump Installation. Source.

Heat pumps and electric boilers both draw power from the mains electricity supply, yet heat pumps exhibit higher efficiency. This efficiency is contingent upon the conversion efficiency, measured by the Coefficient of Performance (COP), of a specific heat pump. The COP represents the ratio of heat energy received to the electricity consumed, particularly in the operation of the pump’s compressor unit. Notably, a heat pump consumes 3-6 times less electricity than an electric boiler with the same output.

Even in challenging conditions, such as an outside air temperature of -25°C, heat pumps excel in providing heating. Simultaneously, they achieve a high COP – generating 2-5 kW of heat or cold (depending on the type of heat pump) per 1 kW of electricity. This starkly contrasts the lower efficiency of gas and electric boilers.

Heat Pump Use Potential

The economic (rising energy costs) and environmental (effects of climate change) aspects of heat pumps should also be noted when discussing heat pumps. Heat pumps make it possible to utilize renewable heat resources such as geothermal, solar thermal energy and recovered heat from the urban environment. In addition, heat pumps maximize the decarbonization potential of renewable electricity sources (such as wind and solar) by converting them into renewable heat. In combination with thermal storage and electric boilers, heat pumps provide flexibility and security to the building life-support system, offering daily, weekly, and seasonal flexibility. Read More

Critical Speed Maps in Turbomachinery

Posted by Yana Solomonova

For many years, one of the primary analysis techniques has been undamped critical speed analysis, and this technique is still performed today for the preliminary estimation of critical speeds and mode shape characteristics. First, let’s take a look at what this kind of analysis technique is and what it involves.

Critical speeds and their associated mode shapes are most influenced by the support (bearing and pedestal structure) stiffness magnitudes, the support locations, and the rotor’s mass and stiffness properties. Based on this, the following definition can be given. A critical speed map is a graph representing the effect of rotor support stiffness on the critical speed of the rotor. A general view of the critical speed map is shown in Figures 1-2.

Figure 1 Undamped Critical Speed Map [1]
Figure 2 Undamped Critical Speed Map in AxSTREAM RotorDynamics
Figure 2 Undamped Critical Speed Map in AxSTREAM RotorDynamics™

With this definition in hand, the next question would be what is critical speed? Critical speed is the rotational speed that corresponds with a structure’s resonance frequency (or frequencies). A critical speed appears when the natural frequency is equal to the excitation frequency. The excitation may come from unbalance that is synchronous with the rotational velocity or from any asynchronous excitation. Read More