A Precise Full-Dimensional Design System for Multistage Steam Turbines: Part I — Philosophy and Architecture of the System

Abstract

A new, precise full-dimensional (PFD) design system for multistage steam turbine has been developed in the past decades by the present authors. The remarkable features of PFD system different from conventional 3D design methodology are as followings: a). Taking into account of unsteady aerodynamic impact on steam turbine performance, b). Simulating 3D real structure of blade and non-blade components without geometric simplification, c). Coupling of aerodynamic design with FEM structure- mechanical analysis for blade and non-blade components. Three levels of design and optimization at global, regional and local level for steam turbine cycle and flow path design are described. The PFD design system consists of conceptual (0D), 1D, Q3D, F3D/4D aerodynamic design and optimization codes, structure analysis and mechanical design (MD) tools, and pre- and post-processing software. In this part of present paper a detail description of philosophy and architecture of the PFD design system, function of each design tools, principles for design consistency are given. The PFD design system is a new plateau of present author’s long-term effort to bring multistage steam turbine design from a simple, passive, empirical-based situation toward a comprehensive, active, knowledge-based environment.