A study on the multi-objective optimization of impeller for high-power centrifugal compressor

Abstract

In this study, a method for the multi-objective optimization of an impeller for a centrifugal compressor using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and response surface method (RSM) was proposed. Numerical simulation was conducted using ANSYS CFX and Mechanical with various configurations of impeller geometry. Each design parameter was divided into 3 levels. A total of 15 design points were planned using Box-Behnken design, which is one of the design of experiment (DOE) techniques. Response surfaces based on the results of the DOE were used to find the optimal shape of the impeller. Two objective functions, isentropic efficiency and equivalent stress were selected. Each objective function is an important factor of aerodynamic performance and structural safety. The entire process of optimization was conducted using the ANSYS Design Xplorer (DX). The trade-off between the two objectives was analyzed in the light of Pareto-optimal solutions. Through the optimization, the structural safety and aerodynamic performance of the centrifugal compressor were increased.