ParaAxial (2006-2008)

R & D on turbomachinery with focus on axial flows

CFD setup for a ducted fan within the FRIENDSHIP-Framework

The ParaAxial project is a German R & D project entitled "Parametrische Entwurfstechniken für Axialmaschinen" (Parametric design methods for axial machinery). Co-financed by the European Union (EU), the two-year project started in July 2006. It aimed at developing and enhancing parametric methods for the design, analysis and optimization of turbomachinery with focus on axial flows. FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS developed methods for the parametric design of axial machinery like propellers, axial pumps, compressors and turbines on the basis of the FRIENDSHIP-Framework. Precisely, the results encompass

• Modeling and variation of turbomachinery
• Direct coupling with simulation methods
• Generic interface
• Development and introduction of partial parametric design
• Generation of new modeling methods, e.g.
  
  • MetaSurfaces
  • Image Technology
  • GenericBlade
• Speed-up in set up of models, e.g. axial fan 

2006 conventional modeling             60 hours

2008 FRIENDSHIP-Framework      < 6 hours

• Set up of a systematic on-line documentation
• Targeted product performance measures were
  
  • Enhancement of efficiency with regard to energy generation
  • Increase of delivery
  • Reduction of energy costs (life cycle costs)
  • Minimization of investment through designing smaller plants of similar power
  • Decrease of acoustic noise
  • Speed-up of development cycles

Results of the ParaAxial project were presented to the public at  expert conferences and exhibitions in 2008, for instance Turbo Expo, Shanghai Trade Fair, WindEnergy, SMM 2008, Numeca User Meeting  and too at the 2008 NAFEMS conference in Wiesbaden. There, FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS introduced ParaAxial results and published a paper on "Direct Coupling of CAD and CFD for the Design of Functional Surfaces" which fundamentally based upon the project's findings. The paper can be accessed here.

Managing Director Claus Abt shows parametric modeling techniques within the FRIENDSHIP-Framework to a visitor at the 2008 Turbo Expo in Berlin

Under the umbrella of the research and technological development program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the scheme was cofinanced by the EU in collaboration with the Ministry of Economics of German Federal State Brandenburg (Ministerium für Wirtschaft), the economic development agency ZAB (ZukunftsAgentur Brandenburg ZAB) and the investment bank of German federal state Brandenburg (Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg ILB).