Simulation Laboratory

Specialized in thermo-fluid dynamic analysis for the different technologies related to hydrogen.

AREAS

Modeling area, to perform simulations related to the thermal and fluid management of electrolyzers, fuel cells and auxiliary equipment, using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) specialized software. It is also studied hydrogen leaks in open and confined spaces in order to design extraction and detection systems.
Experimental area, to study the matter and energy transport phenomena and their influence on parameters such as process efficiency or energy consumption.

The combination of these areas allows to validate the results obtained in the different models developed by using several experimental techniques.

Cells with diverse geometries and configurations for electrolysis and fuel cells.
They allow incorporate direct flow visualization techniques to study the behavior of two-phase mixtures which occur inside them.

PIV system (Particle Image Velocimetry) consisting of Nd:YAG laser and CMOS camera (1000 fps).
PLIF system (Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence), for the measuring of scalar properties of a flow by using fluorescent tracers.

Study of the thermal gradients that occur in electrolyzers and fuel cells during operation.
Dynamic analysis with cameras of 50 fps and frames of 640×480 pixels.
High resolution cameras.

300 liters capacity.
Climate tests with temperature (from -40ºC to 150ºC) and humidity control (from 10 to 98% HR).
Cold start test and freeze-thaw cycles for fuel cells and electrolysis stacks when they are in operation.

25 wireless sensors to create a monitoring network in order to analyze H₂gas leaks by the controlled release of He.
Fog generator for the study of streamlines and preferential routes of flow.
High speed camera.

High computing equipment
CFD licenses for modeling of the phenomena involved in electrolyzers and fuel cells and for the study of gas leaks.
Simulation of auxiliary equipment such as separators or heat exchangers.
Study of gas leaks.

- - Thermographic studies to evaluate thermal gradients and temperature distribution.
  - Climatic testing of materials, cells and stacks by cycles of temperature and humidity.
  - Fluid dynamic characterization for different electrochemical devices by PIV/PLIF system and cells with transparent windows.
  - Gas leakage monitoring in enclosed rooms using a wireless sensor network evenly distributed.

- - CFD numerical simulations (2D/3D) for modeling electrochemical, thermal and fluid dynamic phenomena involved in electrolyzers, fuel cells and auxiliary equipment.
  - Mathematical models to describe the evaluation and behaviour of a gas leak in closed spaces.
  - Development of mathematical models to evaluate and design different types of systems and applications based on renewable energies.
  - Training for handling CFD software.