New CFD Analysis Service
Marine HVAC supplier Heinen & Hopman has introduced a new CFD analysis service that can accurately predict where deficiencies in the HVAC system may occur before mounting a single piece of equipment onboard a ship.
Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology, the HVAC system design is analysed to validate whether the HVAC installation shall meet specific requirements. CFD is a well-established technology in many industries. With CFD technology, air flows can be realistically simulated to identify common HVAC problems such as drafts, high levels of turbulence, high pressure drop and poor air distribution.
CFD considers everything from the influence of sunlight to the layout of the rooms and the placement of air vents around furnishings, resulting in a comfort analysis and/or product validation. The goal is to figure out the best air circulation solutions for a specific space. Avoid problems before they even occur. Investing in virtual CFD analyses saves money and time. Potentially high expenses for adapting the HVAC system on-site after installation are avoided.
Jeroen Fijan, R&D Manager at Heinen & Hopman, explains, “Imagine being involved in the engineering of an engine room ventilation system. During the design process a flaw is detected when the ventilation shafts are connected to the plenums of the inlet and outlet grills. You found out that there is a possibility that – due to the limited space available – the supply and exhaust fan cannot overcome the pressure losses in the shafts, and therefore jeopardise the airflow and cooling of the engine room. A CFD analysis would be the only way to get more insight into the situation and to improve the design to avoid costly adaptations after installation. Furthermore, the costs for prototyping and testing are reduced.”
Heinen & Hopman offers four types of analyses: a flow analysis, a comfort analysis, a pressure analysis of the total system and a thermal analysis of the total system. CFD is also a very useful tool for troubleshooting the HVAC system and optimising system performance after installation, resulting in increased comfort and effectiveness.