Consulting Projects

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study was performed on behalf of Novenco Marine & Offshore to assess the performance of the ventilation system within a multi-deck ship environment. The goal was to identify hot zones and modify airflow distribution so that more cooling air is delivered to these regions. Using Ansys Fluent, Simtec team modeled complex heat dissipation from engines and gensets and simulated airflow from supply ducts under realistic operating conditions.

This project applied advanced CFD simulations to assess and optimize climate control and solar load management in a luxury residential complex in Voula, Attica. The simulations, conducted using Ansys 2024R1 tools, evaluated airflow patterns and temperature distributions across multiple levels of residential spaces. Key areas of focus included optimizing HVAC system performance, especially in challenging spaces like double–height living rooms with large glass facades, which are highly susceptible to solar heat gains. The findings guided HVAC system modifications that improved energy efficiency and resident comfort, in alignment with Greek national standards (KENAK and TOTEE). The results of this study provide actionable insights for reducing energy consumption and enhancing the performance of HVAC systems in high–end residential developments.

Simtec conducted a comprehensive cooling study for two Data Centers located in the Attica region, utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The study included both the analysis of external heat flow from the air conditioning units and the simulation of the internal spaces.

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 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.