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Ansys and Concepts NREC Transform Turbomachinery Design

Introduction
In a groundbreaking partnership, Ansys and Concepts NREC have unveiled an innovative integration aimed at automating the workflow within turbomachinery design. This new collaboration sees the merging of Ansys CFX® computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software with Concepts NREC's AxCent®, drastically improving the efficiency and accuracy for engineers tasked with designing various turbomachinery components like compressors, turbines, and pumps.

The Need for Speed and Accuracy
Traditionally, engineers in the turbomachinery sector faced delays caused by the cumbersome process of transferring data between software applications. Preliminary designs were developed in one program, followed by a separate, often lengthy, step to perform detailed 3D analyses. This disjointed approach not only increased the time to finalize designs but also necessitated additional computational resources – driving up costs.

With the integration of Ansys CFX into the AxCent user interface, users are now presented with a seamless workflow that enables them to conduct CFD simulations directly within the design tool. This advancement allows engineers to rapidly assess the performance of their designs with greater predictive accuracy, thus facilitating faster design cycles and enhancing overall performance.

Key Features of the Integration
The newly formed partnership presents several notable features, including:
1. Streamlined Workflow: The integration allows engineers to run CFX simulations without exiting the AxCent environment. Parameters for all blade rows are automatically deduced, reducing setup times and minimizing the chances of errors.
2. Rapid Simulation: The “one-click” simulation capability allows engineers to validate designs efficiently using Ansys’ powerful solvers before fabrication begins.
3. Robust Analysis for Optimization: The advanced capabilities of CFX enable engineers to perform rigorous analyses that are critical for optimizing design parameters to meet stringent product safety and environmental standards.

Real-World Application: AtmosZero
One of the early adopters of this integrated solution is AtmosZero, a company focused on decarbonizing steam production for industrial applications. According to Meha Setiya, Senior Aerodynamics Engineer at AtmosZero, the integrated software has significantly reduced time and resources needed to design high-temperature compressors essential for their innovative electrified steam boilers. These advancements align with AtmosZero’s mission to lower their carbon footprint and tackle industrial emissions proactively.

Future Prospects
Looking ahead, both Ansys and Concepts NREC plan to expand their integration to accommodate a wider range of fluids and dynamic behaviors encountered in turbomachinery applications. Jonathan Bicknell, VP of Product Engineering at Concepts NREC, expressed excitement for the new capabilities that will enhance the overall design-to-manufacturing workflow, benefiting industries across the board.

Conclusion
This partnership marks a significant leap towards modernizing turbomachinery design processes. By harnessing the power of integrated software tools, engineers can now innovate more rapidly and effectively, driving advancements that are crucial for meeting the challenges of modern engineering demands. Ansys’ commitment to powering innovation through simulation and Concepts NREC’s extensive experience in turbomachinery design promises a brighter, more efficient future for these industries.

In a landscape increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency, the combined efforts of Ansys and Concepts NREC stand as a testament to what collaborative innovation can achieve in engineering design and analysis.