Multi-objective Optimization of a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)

Turbochargers TURBOdesign Suite February 11, 2022

Advanced Design Technology was asked by a leading automotive manufacturer to use TURBOdesign Suite to optimize their turbine stage efficiency at four different operating conditions.

ADT used 3D Inverse Design code TURBOdesign1 and its integration with Ansys to provide a final optimized design with a clear improvement in total efficiency compared to the already highly optimized baseline design.

 

VGT-featured-image-3 

Design Target

To optimize turbine nozzle and rotor blades in order to maximize the turbine stage efficiency at four different operating conditions with different nozzle setting angles. It was also necessary to maintain or improve the Moment of Inertia (MoI), maximum stress and vibration frequencies (first and second mode).

 

Deliverables

Final optimized nozzle and rotor blade geometries which meet the client's design targets.

A response surface model (RSM), built using Kriging, based on the design matrix obtained from a number of Design of Experiment (DoE), CFD and FEA calculations that can be used to quickly perform optimization using different constraints and objectives.

 

Impact

CFD results showed that the final optimized design provided a 1.2 percentage point improvement in total efficiency, which is defined using different weighing factors at the four different operating conditions. The results showed a 6.6% lower MoI, 2.1% lower blade stress, 8% lower backplate stress, same first mode frequency and 4% lower second mode frequency compared to the baseline, which was already a highly optimized design.

 

VGT-Fig-3-comparison

 

The design process presented in the consultancy summary is applicable to all types of turbines and turbomachinery designs where complex multi-disciplinary, multi-objective and multi-point operations are required. 

 

Learn more by downloading your free copy

Book a LIVE demo on the design of a turbomachinery application of your choice.

Our demo is tailored to your specific application and design challenges

Book a Demonstration

Mehrdad Zangeneh

Mehrdad Zangeneh is Founder and Managing Director of Advanced Design Technology and professor of Thermofluids at University College London.

View All Articles

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

ASME 2023 - Meet ADT in Boston at Turbo Expo - June 26-30 (Stand 401)

Connect with 2,000+ Turbomachinery Industry Leaders and Professionals in the Turbomachinery Sector at Turbo Expo 2023 in Boston 

Meet ADT at the International Conference on Turbochargers and Turbocharging May 2023

Join us at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for the International Conference on Turbochargers and Turbocharging on 16th-17th May 2023 at...

How to Optimize the Design of a Reversible Pump-Turbine Runner with High Efficiency and Stability?

Pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) is currently the only proven large-scale (>100 MW) energy storage technology. The benefits of PHES on electrical...