KM Turbulenz
In this simulation, we model the internal behavior of an automotive HVAC unit where hot and cold air streams mix and the flow is distributed into different vents. This application highlights the solver’s ability to capture transient thermal interactions and complex flow dynamics that affect passenger comfort and system efficiency.
Understanding the thermal mixing process is critical to ensuring efficient control and reducing energy consumption. Our solver provides engineers actionable insights to optimize the geometry, airflow rates, and control strategies for better performance. This showcase illustrates our solver’s robust capabilities in handling multiphysics scenarios involving temperature-driven flow phenomena in a realistic automotive setting.
The geometry used for this case is designed in-house, similar to the HVAC systems used by automotive manufacturers. It is possible to see that we do not excel in HVAC unit design, since the temperature mixing is very imbalanced between the vents.
The velocity magnitude is visualized on a cutplane that is slightly moved away from the centre of the HVAC unit. High velocity regions around the flaps and turbulent structures can be observed. Velocity ranges from 0 m/s to 20 m/s. Total simulation time is 0.5 seconds.
Temperature mixing is visualized on a cutplane that is slightly moved away from the centre of the HVAC unit. The temperature is a scalar value that is transported and mixed in the simulation domain. It can be seen that most of the warm air is exiting through the centre duct. Temperature ranges from 10°C to 80°C. Total simulation time is 0.5 seconds.