As we bid farewell to a dynamic year, we want to take a stroll down memory lane, shedding light on the milestones and developments that made this year so special. From new software features to our first ever user meeting and our collaboration with ESA, we’ve experienced our fair share of excitement. So, let’s kick back and reminisce about the highlights that have shaped our journey in 2023!
New Software Features and Releases:
Since the inception of AxSTREAM, our commitment to addressing clients’ needs has fueled our development approach. In a rapidly evolving industry, having the right tools is essential for achieving project goals and staying ahead of demand. In 2023, we took significant strides with AxSTREAM, introducing key advancements:
This year marked the official release of AxSTREAM System Simulation— merging SoftInWay’s AxCYCLE and AxSTREAM NET legacy tools. Offering a flexible interface, this software empowers engineers to model and analyze thermodynamic cycles and fluid systems seamlessly. Its integrated 0D-1D reduced-order modeling eliminates interface gaps between siloed software, making it an ideal environment for digital twin modeling. Since its January release, the software has evolved with expanded features, including additional thermal and fluid components, multi-run capabilities, and specialized considerations and capabilities for applications like rocket engines, small modular reactors, fuel cells, and energy storage systems. AxSTREAM System Simulation paves the way for a holistic approach to system modeling and design, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Stay tuned for more updates in 2024!
- Ability to design machines with supersonic convergent-divergent vaned nozzles, suitable for high-loaded steam and gas turbines operating at elevated heat drops and Mach numbers.
- Introduction of advanced 3D capabilities for designing turbines with drilled nozzles.
- Enhanced volute design capabilities now include the option to design those with simple spiral volute types, facilitating the creation of trapezoidal-shaped volutes.
- Addition of workflow blocks for advanced integration and automation.
- Redesigned graphical interface based on user feedback, featuring customizable layouts and streamlined variable handling.
- Improved workflow calculations with file protection and parallel processing.
- Enhanced Parallel mode for faster, stable performance.
- Post-processing tools for visualization, analysis, and optimization without recalculating workflow.
AI Support Chatbot
This year also saw the debut of Wikibot, representing the first iteration of AI support from SoftInWay to enhance and complement our renowned support team. Functioning as a chatbot, Wikibot utilizes advanced AI technology to deliver up-to-date information in a prompt and conversational format. Initially available for System Simulation, Wikibot will progressively extend its support across the entire SoftInWay platform in subsequent releases.
In-person Training is Back in Session!
In response to the success of our first in-person training session in 2022, following two years without training due to the pandemic, we tripled our class offerings in 2023. Topics included rotor dynamics, axial turbines, and centrifugal compressors. The combination of fundamental design practices and practical software workshops was well-received, propelling our users forward and setting the stage for more exciting educational opportunities in 2024.
New Webinar Topics Added to the SoftInWay Library
2023 was another exciting year from a technological standpoint. We observed an increased focus and drive towards advancing renewable energy efforts and supersonic technology, shaping our webinar topics accordingly. Recognizing the importance of understanding the basics alongside these emerging technologies, we hosted a two-part series on choosing between axial and radial turbomachines and considering essential factors.
Rewatch the webinars here:
- Design Challenges and Solutions for Supersonic Turbines
- Solving Challenges in Renewable Energy Storage
- Axial or Radial? Choosing the Optimal Turbomachinery Configuration Leveraging Generative Design
- Axial or Radial? Selecting the Ideal Turbomachinery Configuration Considering Rotor Dynamic Constraints
- Holistic Heat Pump Design
As always, we extend a huge thank you to our loyal viewers who consistently join our presentations and webinars. Without you, these events would not be possible!
New Course Available on SoftInWay Turbomachinery University (STU).
Alongside our webinars and in-person trainings, we’re thrilled to announce our latest self-paced video course, an AxSTREAM ION workshop, available through our online learning platform. This crash course for AxSTREAM ION provides a comprehensive overview of its functionalities as a versatile process integration, automation, and optimization software. Participants who take the course will learn to connect various tools, pilot projects efficiently, and, upon completion, seamlessly integrate solvers and scripts for automated workflows. Head over to STU to explore AxSTREAM ION today!
New Collaboration between SoftInWay and the European Space Agency (ESA).
In 2023, SoftInWay established an exciting collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Through this collaboration, ESA is utilizing SoftInWay’s turbopump predesign tools, a key component of the cutting-edge AxSTREAM.SPACE software bundle. Through this collaboration, ESA aims to pioneer advancements in space exploration by utilizing these tools for the preliminary design phase of the next generation of rocket turbopumps in the European market. This collaboration marks a significant and thrilling moment for our team. Read full press release here
Trade Shows & Events:
As travel returned, SoftInWay participated in numerous conferences, but none compared to the excitement of Turbo Expo in our hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. It was a pleasure to connect with both new and familiar faces at our booth, where discussions ranged from the latest turbomachinery industry advancements to live demonstrations of AxSTREAM. Attendees also enjoyed the delightful lobster rolls and ice cream we offered throughout the week.
A special thanks goes out to our friends at Kostech Inc. and ZeroAvia for joining us in this year’s exhibition. The event concluded with an exciting surprise – our booth was honored with the award for the best small booth at Turbo Expo. Clement Joly, a core member of the SoftInWay team, also received recognition for his outstanding contributions to the Turbo Expo Technical Committee this year. Undoubtedly, this marked our most memorable Turbo Expo event to date, leaving us eagerly anticipating the upcoming London event in 2024!
Expanding the AxSTREAM Community!
In 2023, we experienced significant growth, welcoming new customers, resellers, and talented employees into SoftInWay’s expanding community. We also hosted our first-ever user meeting, emphasizing customer interaction, feedback, and addressing software needs. The event featured engaging discussions, refreshments, and a round-table session to gather insights on desired features for future AxSTREAM versions. Adding a unique touch, the meeting’s location provided attendees with the option to explore the historical significance of Massachusetts, including a tour of the Lexington Battle Green, where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired.
Conclusion:
As another year comes to a close, we’d like to extend our gratitude to our clients, partners, friends, and teammates for being an integral part of SoftInWay’s journey in 2023. Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that the future holds and remain steadfast in our mission to empower engineers, drive innovation, and shape the future of energy and propulsion technology. Here’s to a transformative year and the exciting prospects that lie ahead!