Optimal Design of Centrifugal Compressor Impellers Using 3-D Navier-Stokes Equations and Evolutionary Computation

In the design of modern centrifugal compressor impellers, it is fundamental to account for three-dimensional effects and to use an optimization strategy that helps the designer to achieve the required objectives with the presence of constraints. In this paper, a fully three-dimensional optimization method is described that combines a CFD code and an evolutionary algorithm. The design scenario contemplated here involves the maximization of impeller peak efficiency with constraints on the impeller pressure ratio and operating range. The method is used to improve the performances of a baseline impeller of known characteristics. An optimal solution is proposed and compared to the original configuration.