Steam-turbine design optimization based on model-based development

Abstract

Model-based development (MBD) has been widely used in automotive industry. Here, we apply the MBD to the last 4 stages of steam turbine to maximize the turbine efficiency using an optimization technology. First of all, the 1D CAE model of the last 4 stages composed of 186 variables were developed using the 3D CFD result. Secondly, optimization of the 1D CAE was carried out to maximize turbine efficiency and, based on the result, the cross-sectional nozzle and blade shapes were also optimized using 2D CFD. Finally, 3D CFD of the Optimized last 4 stages was conducted and compared with the one of the initial design. This demonstration shows that the combination of MBD and optimization method is useful to design problem with many design variables.