Consulting Projects

Simtec assessed the cooling and ventilation of two steam turbines at a power plant in Cyprus, focusing on the challenges posed by hot summers. Using Fluent's solar load model, the study simulated the worst-case thermal loads. The HVAC system's performance was evaluated, identifying temperature hot spots and areas of stagnant air. The results confirmed effective cooling without noise hazards, helping engineers avoid the need for additional fans, thus reducing costs.

Simtec simulated the ventilation and cooling of a power generation facility in the Libyan desert, addressing the challenges of excessive solar heat and diesel engine output. Using Fluent's solar load model, the study focused on the worst-case summer scenario. The simulation included realistic geometry and material properties, assessing the HVAC system's capacity to manage heat from three engines. The results showed the system's ability to handle the high heat load, ensuring effective cooling and ventilation.

Simtec simulated the ventilation and indoor air quality for a mall in Ioannina, Greece, focusing on its HVAC system's ability to maintain comfortable temperatures during harsh winters and hot summers. The detailed model accounted for solar heat load, building materials, and occupant heat. The study also calculated air renewal rates, identifying areas with stagnant air. The results ensured the mall's HVAC system could provide comfort and high air quality year-round.

Simtec simulated the flow of heavy fuel oil through a submarine pipe transferring fuel from tanker ships to a Greek island's power plant. The study aimed to determine if insulation was needed to prevent fuel solidification during winter. The CFD model, using multiphase modeling, confirmed that despite small pockets of solidified fuel, the pipe remained functional without insulation. This validation helped Public Power Corporation SA avoid unnecessary insulation costs.

Simtec collaborated with ELKEME, the research center of VIOHALCO Group, to simulate an industrial furnace used for annealing aluminum coils. The CFD model analyzed heat transfer between nitrogen and aluminum within the furnace, driven by radiation and forced convection from axial fans. This simulation helped create a predictive library for standard annealing cases, enabling ELKEME to optimize production by achieving uniform heating and reducing annealing times.

Simtec used Ansys Fluent to validate Lindbergh KFT's rain louvre through CFD analysis, bypassing time constraints of physical certification. The simulation replicated the CSN EN 13030 test, including turbulent airflow and droplet tracking. The CFD model was validated against a certified louvre (type 78Z) and applied to the louvre under assessment (type Z100). The results confirmed Z100's superior performance, allowing Lindbergh to save time and costs in certification.

Simtec used CFD to analyze the hydraulic oil flow in a control valve, focusing on cavitation phenomena caused by pressure drops. The study modeled phase changes using a multiphase approach, revealing that cavitation occurs in three stages, each with distinct frequencies. These frequencies are linked to noise and potential structural fatigue, offering insights into the valve's performance and durability.

Simtec assisted MELAMIN engineers in simulating the behavior of a batch reactor during a scale-up study. Three different impeller configurations were analyzed using CFD to evaluate mixing efficiency, required time, and rotation torque. The simulations revealed the best impeller design, identified potential mixing issues from local vortices, and helped the engineers make safer and more cost-effective decisions.

Simtec investigated severe vibrations in an installed heat exchanger, initially suspected to be caused by unsteady fluid flow. Using transient CFD modeling, the flow inside the heat exchanger's gas and liquid circuits was analyzed, focusing on high-frequency forces on the walls. The study found no significant frequency-induced forces, allowing engineers to explore other potential causes of the vibrations.