Hybrid optimization algorithm applied on multistage axial compressor performance calculations with variable geometry

Abstract

© 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, London.The application of optimization techniques in engineering designs is a fundamental parameter for a definition of the best design schedule. High performance compressors operate close to stall line for higher pressure ratio. When the compressor operates at off-design condition, it causes an efficiency degradation and pressure ratio drop due to detachment of the fluid on vanes. A technique to realign the flow is the use of variable geometry stator, but it is necessary a trade-off to define the amount of VSVs and angle of each grid. Therefore this will perform a match between all compressor stages in order to keep the efficiency optimal. In this work a hybridization technique is implemented by using an evolutionary algorithm together with a deterministic algorithm. The commercial software ModeFrontier® was coupled with the axial compressor computational program. The results show high efficiency using this technique in runs with multi-objective problems with low computational cost, and also it shows a comparison between the original compressor performance map and the map obtained after the optimization process.