Adapting jet engine technology for alternative energy uses with SolidWorks
Customer Company Size
SME
Region
- America
- Pacific
Country
- Canada
- United States
Product
- SolidWorks Premium
- SolidWorks Simulation Professional
- SolidWorks Flow Simulation
- SolidWorks Composer
- SolidWorks Workgroup PDM
Tech Stack
- 3D CAD
- CFD Analysis
- Product Data Management
- Simulation Software
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Productivity Improvements
- Innovation Output
- Customer Satisfaction
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
Applicable Industries
- Renewable Energy
- Automotive
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Predictive Maintenance
- Energy Management System
- Fleet Management
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
Brayton Energy is a leading developer of innovative energy applications that combine abundant renewable fuels with gas turbine technology, which is traditionally used to power jet aircraft engines. The company has adapted this technology to create new hybrid engines, portable generators, and complete power plants. Brayton Energy's work spans the conversion of biomass and solar energy into electricity and the application of natural-gas-powered hybrid fuel cell/turbine engines for driving large vehicles. Established in 2004, Brayton Energy Canada is a subsidiary of Brayton Energy, LLC, and focuses on developing environmentally responsible energy technologies.
The Challenge
When Brayton Energy began developing environmentally responsible energy technologies in 2004, they needed a design platform that allowed engineers to design, analyze, and show innovative gas turbine applications within compressed development cycles. The company required a CAD system that could take them from concept to production in a streamlined, highly visual way. Given that they were breaking new ground for gas turbine technology, they needed to test and simulate the performance of their systems in software before investing in actual production. The CAD system had to be an extension of their operations, enabling quick movement without wasting time on retraining with various software applications from different vendors.
The Solution
Brayton Energy selected the SolidWorks Premium integrated 3D design system due to its ease of use, robust tools for designing large assemblies, automated sheet-metal design capabilities, and integrated simulation and documentation applications. They implemented 12 seats of SolidWorks software across their US and Canadian operations, including SolidWorks Simulation Professional, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, and SolidWorks Composer. This integrated platform allowed Brayton Energy to quickly develop and visualize innovative gas turbine systems, such as a unique hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system combined with a high-efficiency intercooled recuperated (ICR) gas turbine system for vehicular applications. The SolidWorks platform enabled the company to conduct structural, thermal, and fluid flow analysis, manage design files, and document the entire process efficiently.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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