Turbomachinery International: January/February 2025

Turbomachinery International’s first edition of the year is here: January/February 2025. The issue’s focus on software and controls is encapsulated in our cover story, “Software and Controls in the Age of AI and Decarbonization.” Managing Editor Alissa Espinoza covers how OEMs are using AI- and ML-equipped software and control systems to improve data quality and reliability, automate tasks, monitor assets, assist smaller crews, and make predictive maintenance commonplace.

“As we face the future of operations where fewer people are managing more assets, the responsibility of turbomachinery control systems should grow,” said Shun Yoshida – Engineering Manager, HMI Software at CCC by Honeywell. “We can take early detection of faults as inputs and adjust control responses to achieve more uptime, reduce equipment damages, maintain process outputs, etc.”

In his article, “Digitally Transforming Compressor Inspection and Repair”, Steven Baird, Head of Repair Technology in Compression at Siemens Energy, explores the intersection of 3D laser scanning and generative AI and how the combo is revolutionizing inspection processes. The article delves into the ways these technologies are enhancing service quality and significantly speeding up equipment overhauls, marking a new era in turbomachinery maintenance.

This issue also includes an in-depth analysis of six prominent trends shaping the turbomachinery industry. Decarbonization emerges as a major driver, pushing the boundaries of technology and fostering innovation across the sector. The article also examines how supply and demand dynamics, particularly in the LNG market and the rise of modular/mobile solutions, are influencing industry direction. The market trends piece offers a retrospective look at 2024, in which industry experts provide their insights on several critical topics:

• Gas Turbines + Renewables
• Energy Transport and Storage
• LNG and Mobile Applications
• Carbon Capture and Storage
• Technological Advancements
• Ammonia in Marine Propulsion

In our Vendor Spotlight, Rolls-Royce takes center stage with its mtu NautIQ and mtu EnergetIQ automation systems. These systems are designed to simplify and connect operations for marine vessel and power plant operators. They enable comprehensive control and monitoring of system data, assets, and user management from a single, integrated screen.

The Myth Busters return to tackle a common misconception in the industry: the belief that compressor transient surge analysis is highly accurate. The article explains that most transient surge analysis software relies on significant assumptions about one-dimensional versus 3D effects and presumes steady-state compressor maps, highlighting the limitations of current analytical methods.

“This method is sufficient for many slow-moving physical processes, as transient effects can often be disregarded when inertial forces are minimal,” said Klaus Brun and Rainer Kurz. “Unfortunately, this simplifica­tion can lead to the misapplication of analysis methods when transient problems are analyzed using tools or software designed for steady-state scenarios.”

Amin Almasi contributes a column titled “Diagnostics, Prognostics, and Condition Monitoring of Turbomachines.” This piece emphasizes the importance of smart condition-monitoring strategies in mitigating unscheduled downtime. Almasi outlines how these strategies can identify potential faults before they occur, thus ensuring continuous operation of turbomachinery.

Click here to view January/February 2025.