Master/Project: CFD simulation of the cooling circuit of a fuel cell powered Rotary Drilling Rig
Background: As part of a new research project at the Chair of Fluid Mechanics, a rotary drilling rig for special civil engineering is to be converted from a conventional diesel drive to a fuel cell-based system. With a drive power of 400 kW, the cooling of the fuel cell system is of particular importance. In the course of the work, the existing cooling system for the diesel drive is to be analyzed numerically and, based on this, a new concept for the alternative drive is to be developed.
Task: Within the scope of the work to be assigned, a simulation model for an upper carriage of a rotary drilling rig of the Bauer company is to be built using the commercial CFD software StarCCM+. First, the focus of the work will be on simplifying the existing CAD model and making it accessible to the simulation. This will be followed by the simulation of different operating points of the existing cooling circuit. Subsequently, a new concept for the alternative drive will be developed. Supporting measurements will be carried out with a thermal imaging camera and impeller anemometers to validate the simulation results on a rotary drilling rig.
Procedure:
- Familiarization with Star-CCM+ and cooling concepts for rotary drilling rigs
- Preparation of CAD- geometry
- Setup and validation of the CFD-model
- Carrying out simulations
Requirements:
- Knowledge and interest in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics are helpful
- Previous knowledge in (flow) simulation is advantageous
- Independent, conscientious way of working
Starting date: immediately
Supervisor:
