d-LIGHT: Design light and fast - greener gas turbines based on innovative lightweight solutions

Purpose and goal

The d-LIGHT project aims to integrate design automation (DA) and multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) with AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms to streamline the development process for gas turbines and thus enable the design of the green gas turbines based on innovative lightweight solutions. The project has resulted in an innovative process for performing MDO of complex geometries where the number of degrees of freedom can be changed depending on the design. In addition, a recommended method for using ML in the optimization process has been developed.

Expected results and effects

The general impact of the d-LIGHT project is the potential to speed up the early and conceptual parts of the development process. Expected effects are the possibility of more customized and innovative solutions that meet the needs of green gas turbine fuels of the future through innovative design and manufacturing that is made possible if components are produced based on additive manufacturing.

Planned approach and implementation

The d-LIGHT project is led by LiU and the other partners are Siemens Energy and CAE Value. The project has three main work packages, where methods for Design Automation (generative design) are developed in AP1 which are then integrated into an MDO framework in AP2. In AP3 new AI and ML algorithms are studied to make computations more efficient. AP3 also contains tools to integrate the framework with specific methods for Additive manufacturing. Within all work packages, LiU and CAE Value deliver general method knowledge and Siemens provides specific application know-how.