Steam Turbines - Aerodynamic Design and Analysis

For the aerodynamic design and analysis of steam turbines and adjoining components, B&B-AGEMA applies advanced 3D-CFD modelling techniques in combination with sophisticated in-house engineering tools. Fully-automated workflow procedures allow the investigation of many design versions in a short and economic amount of time and help to achieve the best possible design in terms of efficiency and power output.

Highly sophisticated in-house tools for 1D mean line design (ATF-1D) and 2D streamline curvature (ATF-2D) design as well as the possibility to couple those tools with commercial optimization software packages significantly reduce the development and cost effort for the inherently iterative steam turbine flow path design process.

After setting the basis for an efficient steam turbine in the 1D- and 2D-design, the subsequent generation of modern airfoil sections is realized by utilization of B&B-AGEMA's in-house profile generator (Profigen), which can be coupled to commercial CFD and optimization software, resulting in highly efficient, low loss airfoil sections. The derived sections are then stacked either radially or under consideration of 3D features (e.g. twist, bow, lean) in order to obtain blades with best aerodynamic performance.

Example: Coupling of advanced in-house tools with commercial CFD and optimization software in order to derive highly efficient airfoil sections

In order to fine-tune and further enhance the aerodynamic performance, B&B-AGEMA also provides the possibility to automatically optimize the 3D geometry of steam turbine stages directly by coupling several engineering tools. In such process, the 3D geometry is based on parametrized airfoil sections and automatically generated in a CAD client. The automatically derived fluid volume is then transferred to a CFD solver for automated aerodynamic analysis. Based on the results, the optimization software adjusts the geometry in order to increase the performance of the turbine stages. The consideration of 3D flow phenomena during the optimization run is the main advantage of such 3D approach. In addition, this procedure also allows the implementation of an automated structural analysis in order to check the aerodynamic design for mechanical integrity.

Example: 3D optimization of steam turbine stages

3D optimization can be also performed for steam admission chamber, exhaust diffusors, valves and other components of steam turbine power plants.

Aside from steam turbine design, B&B-AGEMA provides steady and transient flow analysis and subsequent consulting for potential improvement. For all topics related to steam turbine and power plant design, B&B-AGEMA is supported by senior experts, who have gained tremendous experience in their leading and fully responsible positions at their respective companies.