Mathematical Simulations

Mathematical simulation of momentum, heat, and mass transport processes is an important tool in the thermal and fluid engineering design of energy components. The benefits include:

• Reduction of costs using virtual prototypes and digital twins by reducing physical test loops
• Shortening of time to market for products through faster design iterations
• Reduction of risks through reliable data prior to investment
• Sustainability through low material usage and energy consumption

At Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden, you can benefit from our many years of experience in the field of simulation, direct link to experimental validation in our thermal engineering laboratory, and the direct integration of our expertise in materials development.

We support you in all development phases involving the use of mathematical simulations:

Analysis & model development

• Assessment of boundary conditions, material data, and target values
• Digital twins from porous materials to complete systems

Simulation & optimization

• Analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Conducting parametric studies
• Application of optimization methods

Experimental validation in the thermal engineering laboratory

• Test benches, e.g., for thermal conductivity, heat transfer coefficients, pressure loss, or cycle tests of thermal storage systems
• Development and testing of suitable laboratory demonstrators for functional verification

• Thermal energy storage & waste heat utilization – design, load profiles, economic evaluation
• High-performance heat exchangers – optimize flow and temperature fields, minimize pressure loss
• Pore structures for electrolysis – Virtual investigation of permeability, heat transfer, and gas diffusion
• Battery thermal management – Ensuring cell temperature homogeneity, avoiding hot spots
• Mold temperature control for various manufacturing processes – Shortening cycle times, reducing quality fluctuations, utilizing waste heat
• Your individual application – We also model complex special processes