Case Study: Technical University of Darmstadt achieves 1–4% isentropic efficiency gain and automated volute & vaned diffusor optimization with CAESES

Technical University of Darmstadt - Customer Case Study

Technical University of Darmstadt’s Institute of Gas Turbines and Aerospace Propulsion tackled an automated, simultaneous optimization of a vaned diffusor and volute for a centrifugal compressor in collaboration with NUMECA Germany and Kompressorenbau Bannewitz. The challenge was to create a robust, low-parameter CAD workflow for large-scale design exploration; CAESES was used to generate parametric geometry for the volute and non‑axisymmetric diffusor needed for automated variation.

Using CAESES, the team parametrized volute cross-sections and area distribution and the diffusor blade stagger, twist, chord, pitch and rotation, then coupled that geometry to NUMECA meshing and CFD in a fully automated optimization loop targeting isentropic efficiency. The CAESES‑driven process produced a fully automated diffusor–volute optimization with measured gains of 1–4% in isentropic efficiency and 1.45–4.67% increases in total pressure, while revealing the strong influence of the diffusor and additional impact of the volute.

Technical University of Darmstadt

Johannes Ratz

Research Scientist, Institute of Gas Turbines and Aerospace Propulsion