Conjugate Heat Transfer analysis allows heat transfer simulation between solid and fluid domains by exchanging thermal energy at the interfaces between them.
Video shows the results from a Transient Conjugate Heat Transfer simulation of an Oil-free Twin Screw Compressor. SCORG grid generator was used for the deforming fluid domain. SCORG CAD export utility was used for the rotor geometry of the solid components. The temperature of the air during compression from 1.0 bar to 2.5 bar reaches up to 130 C. Following metal conduction, the temperature in the rotors is in the range of 60 – 90 C. The numerical time scale of solid conduction was modified in the Ansys CFX solver to accelerate metal conduction, achieving steady-state temperature results within a reasonable number of gas flow cycles.
Simulation is part of the SECRET project. Howden and Centre for Compressor Technology at City, University of London collaborate on a 5-year project – Smart Efficient Compression, Reliability and Energy Targets. SECRET is supported by an award from the Royal Academy of Engineering. The aim is to develop novel energy-efficient compression technologies.
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