{"id":4321,"date":"2017-04-27T18:31:17","date_gmt":"2017-04-27T18:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/informatech.energir.com\/?p=4321"},"modified":"2021-04-15T15:30:03","modified_gmt":"2021-04-15T20:30:03","slug":"computational-fluid-dynamics-infinite-possibilities-to-optimize-energy-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/informatech.energir.com\/?p=4321&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Computational fluid dynamics: infinite possibilities to optimize energy systems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an invaluable support in solving industrial equipment combustion problems. It facilitates drawing a picture of the situation, identifying the problems and testing different solutions, all by computer, before implementing the necessary corrections.<\/span>
\nAssociated with powerful tools and used by experts, CFD allows for the analysis of fluid flows and their effects. It is thus possible to simulate the behaviour of the flame, its shape, the convective and radiative heat transfer, the turbulent flow of products of combustion and the formation of pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx<\/sub>).<\/span>
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\nMethod<\/span>
\nFirst, the problem and its scope must be defined. The method most commonly used for fluid flow resolution is the finite volume method, which consists of dividing the geometry under study into small calculation elements and applying mathematical models for resolution of the system on this discretization. The results are presented in the form of graphs and images.<\/span>
\nThe second stage is to simulate different solutions. The reports generated at the outcome of each simulation illustrate the model’s reactions. Several solutions thus can be analyzed before moving on to the equipment “construction\/replacement” or “modification” phase.<\/span>
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\nAssociated tools<\/span>
\nDifferent CFD software exists (Siemens Star-CCM+\/Star-CD, ANSYS, etc.). Some firms develop their own models to cover as many cases as possible for modelling combustion phenomena.<\/span>
\nCFD may often lead to a substantial gain in productivity.<\/span>
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\nA solution adapted to all types of industrial activities<\/span>
\nComputational fluid dynamics can be used for many industrial applications.<\/span>
\nExample 1: Rotary dryer<\/span>
\nAn orchard wanted to dry apple pulp after extracting the juice, but the natural gas rotary drum dryer burned the pulp instead of drying it, forming small hard masses. The finished product did not present a uniform quality.<\/span>
\nCFD made it possible to illustrate the behaviour of the dryer’s combustion system and to identify a solution that promised to achieve the expected drying rate by adjusting certain dryer components. The implementation of the solution led to a 300% improvement in the system’s energy efficiency, and the expected drying rate was achieved.<\/span>
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Figure 1: Meshing of the pulp dryer – Brais Malouin et Associés.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 
\nExample 2: Air emissions and air quality<\/span>
\nAnalysis of the products of combustion is important in order to comply with air quality regulations. Control over an incinerator’s air pollutant emissions therefore had to be improved. The design of its new burners had to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n