GENERATION OF AN AUTOMATED WORKFLOW FOR THE SIMULATION OF RIBBED EXCHANGER MODELS
INTRODUCTION
Electrical components in electric vehicles require extremely efficient and well-designed cooling systems to maintain performance and to avoid overheating. Cooling is achieved using heat exchangers built near the electrical components to dissipate heat and reduce the temperatures of various electrical parts.
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We will investigate and generate an automated workflow for the simulation of ribbed exchanger models. The heat exchanger will be modelled and analysed using open source software.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the project is to have a completed, generalised code for Modelling, Meshing and Simulation that can be adapted easily to a range of applications. The code will be able to be parametrically altered for easy use. The code will be based around the simple concept below.
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To model the heat exchanger, Open Cascade will be used. This is an Open Source 3D modelling software and a python wrapper will be used to allow for slightly more simple programming.
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To mesh the geometry, CFMesh or snappyHexMesh will be used. This is a mesh generator that uses pre-existing meshes to create the desired mesh for the specific application. The pre-existing meshes can be found in BlockMesh, which is contained within OpenFOAM. The meshing will have to contain both fluid and solid domains.
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OpenFOAM will be used for the solving stage of the process. OpenFOAM is a toolbox for developing customised numerical solvers.
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The project will be carried out between 17th September 2018 to 14th December 2018.
Figure 1 - Heat Exchanger Geometry
PROJECT MOTIVATION
We chose this project mainly due to its technical complexity. Although the concept is simple in theory; the team has acknowledged that learning new software programmes will be challenging but worthwhile nonetheless.
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Also, upon completion, the project will have unquestionable benefits to the heat transfer sector. The simulation that is generated will be able to automate a workflow and will then be able to be manipulated for other uses.
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Finally, the whole team all have a keen interest in researching this field and using Open Source software.