Energy engineering systems are typically highly complex and involve several parts, materials, manufacturing and mounting processes, which can be optimized (towards enhanced performance, time-to-market and costs) if the adequate design methodologies are used and if such systems are redesigned for being additively manufactured. Such redesigns usually involve the use of complex geometries that allow for integration of functionalities and for a reduction in the final number of parts and production processes involved. The combined used of mechanic, dynamic, thermal and fluidic FEM simulations and the benefits of additive manufacturing resources, when dealing with complex geometries, is a beneficial strategy towards effective and efficient energy engineering systems. Characterization of performance, combining in a synergic way the potential of thermal finite-element models and the visual appeal of infrared thermography, is also among the relevant aspects for success. In our group we devote research efforts to energy engineering processes and systems including:
- Design, modelling and manufacture of (micro-) heat exchangers.
- Design, modelling and manufacture of (micro-) heat sinks.
- Design, modelling and manufacture of (micro-) turbines and pumps.
- Design, modelling and manufacture of (micro-) compressors and aerogenerators.
- FEM modelling towards performance optimization.
- Infrared thermography for performance evaluation.
