3D Airflow Modeling Software

Overview

Since 1988, Flomerics has played a pioneering role in the simulation of airflow in buildings by delivering high-quality analysis software for designers. The result is powerful Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software called FLOVENT, which predicts 3D airflow, heat transfer and contamination dispersion in both internal and external environments.

FLOVENT’s fast and easy-to-use menu system is designed specifically for engineers involved in the design and optimisation of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. FLOVENT can be applied to buildings of all types and sizes.

• atriums, shopping malls and office buildings
• theatres, airport terminals, storage facilities and warehouses
• telephone exchanges and data centres
• passenger comfort in vehicles
• air quality and contaminant control in laboratories, research facilities, hospitals and underground car parks.

Airflow modeling gives engineers the luxury to consider several design options in the minimum amount of time. As a result, the final design is not based on a tentative approach, but is a result of a professional design process considering several options and selecting the optimum solution. This can save on capital and running costs, save time on correcting mistakes further down the design route and save time on commissioning.

Whether you choose to license FLOVENT for inhouse use or to employ Flomerics’ FLOVENT airflow modeling consultancy, you can meet the daily challenges of predicting airflow patterns and thermal effects, maximizing contamination control, and reducing operating costs more confidently and productively than ever before.

Model Creation

SmartParts

FLOVENT features the most complete and technically advanced model creation environment for airflow modeling design. Models that range in scale from diffusers, heat exchangers and enclosures are assembled quickly from a complete set of SmartParts (intelligent model creation macros) that are supplied with FLOVENT. SmartParts capture modeling expertise that has been developed within Flomerics over the past 15 years to streamline model creation, minimize solve times and maximize solution accuracy.

Integration with CAD

FLOVENT also features the industry’s best solution for integration with CAD software. Native data from Pro/Engineer, Autodesk inventor, Solidworks, and other CAD software can be imported into FLOVENT. Unlike other CAD to analysis interoperability solutions, FLOVENT automatically prepares the geometry for efficient and accurate analysis.

Grid

FLOVENT grid is structured-Cartesian - the most stable and numerically efficient type of grid available. The ability to localize is also included for finer resolution where it is needed, minimizing solution time and avoiding the penalty of grid cells that “bleed”.

Grid in FLOVENT is associated with SmartParts and is generated as part of the model assembly process with refinement under user control. This methodology is intuitive and straightforward enabling engineers to focus on design rather than analysis.

Gridding is instantaneous and reliable in FLOVENT as compared to traditional tools that require significant time and expertise to master. Finally, FLOVENT is the only analysis software with object-associated grid that eliminates re-gridding for each model modification.

Solver and Design Optimization

Automatic Sequential Optimization

SmartPart-based modeling and structuredcartesian grid enable a feature called ‘automatic sequential optimization’ that is unique to FLOVENT. This allows users to specify a design goal and then let FLOVENT do the hard work of finding the right combination of design variables that meet the goal. Common applications of this feature include optimization of diffuser locations and discharge velocities as well as other design scenarios.

Design of Experiments Parametric Studies

As an alternative to automatic sequential optimization, a design of experiments (DoE) can be constructed that will automatically analyze the full range of all possible combinations of parametric variations. These models can be solved on a distributed network of computers using the unique ‘Volunteer’ solution technology.

Solver

For over 15 years, the FLOVENT solver has specifically addressed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. The solver, based on a cartesian gridding system results in the most accurate results possible and the fastest solution time per grid cell. Massive disparency in geometric length scales are resolved using the unique ‘localized-grid’ technique which allows for integrally matched, nested, non-conformal grid interfaces between different parts of the solution domain. The conjugate nature of heat transfer is concurrently solved using a preconditioned conjugate residual solver together with a flexible cycle multi-grid solution technique. Pragmatic, unique and accurate solution termination criteria produce useful results in engineering, not academic, time scales.

Transient Analysis

The powerful transient analysis capabilities in FLOVENT also allow for prediction of a number of different transient behaviours. For example an accurate prediction of smoke or contaminant dispersion can be calculated both internally and externally. Various scenarios can be investigated by changing the concentration of the smoke or gas in relation to elapsed time

Visualization

Results

The FLOVENT visualization toolset is developed specifically to maximize productivity of engineers. Fully rendered models, 3D flow animation and tools for dynamic manipulation of temperature and flow results, enable engineers to pinpoint thermal and ventilation issues and visualize design improvements quickly and effectively. Texture mapping and video output enables powerful communication of design concepts with non-technical colleagues and customers.

Comprehensive Training and Support

Beyond providing the world’s most advanced and user-friendly airflow analysis software, Flomerics understands that it is just as important to complement the software with support and training of comparable high quality.

Flomerics’ superior training programs ensure you will learn, understand and apply the most effective ways to build and interpret your airflow models. Programs include a 3-day Introduction to FLOVENT course and special custom-tailored application courses. In addition to the coursework, you can take advantage of comprehensive telephone and email support and web-based advice, supporting programs, tips and more. Everything is geared to helping you get the most out of your FLOVENT investment.

Whether you’re a FLOVENT user or a consultancy services customer, you can be confident that you are backed by the collective knowledge, practical experience and technical insight of Flomerics,the world’s leading authority in airflow modeling.

Kasetsart University
King Mongkut's University
King Saud University
Kolej University Teknologi Tun Hussein
Onn
Kruger Ventilation Industries Pte Ltd
Liebert-HIROSS
LSMW Zander
Mahasalakham University
Meinhardt (M&E) Ltd
Mestek
Michael Lange Beratender Ingenieur VBI
MITIE Scientific Projects Ltd
Morson Projects
National Institutes of Health
Northeast Forestry University
O.Y.L R&D Centre Sdn Bhd
Omega concept
Oth Bâtiment
Parsons Brinckerhoff
Pharmadule-Emtunga AB
Precision Air Products
Prince Of Songkla University
PSA
Raytheon
Renault
Royal Institute of Technology
Samsung Electronics
Sanofi Aventis
Scott Wilson Ltd
Silesian University of Technology
Simulacie Budov
SNCF
Sorane
Stopson
Swegon AB
TDMG
Technical University of Denmark
Tecniplast
Telecom Italia
Temasek Polytechnic
THALES R&T
Therm-Air-Confort
TPS Consult
UKAEA
Universität GH Siegen
Universität Gießen
University Malaysia Sarawak
University of Ancona
University of Bari
University of Brighton
University of Hong Kong
University of Macau (UMAC)
University of Warwick (vent)
University Sains Malaysia
University Technology Malaysia
University Teknology MARA
Vetter Pharma-Fertigung GmbH & Co.
KG
Weihai Hundred Air-conditioning Co.
WSP Group
Zibell Willner & Partners