Lukas Feierabend, Simulation

Modelling & Simulation

Would you like to better understand, develop or optimise complex hydrogen systems?

Using physically based models and simulation-based approaches, we analyse transport and reaction processes along the hydrogen value chain – from porous materials to cells to entire plants. Our models help to understand systems, identify weak points and efficiently develop new solutions.

from microstructure to complete system

We model electrochemical systems on various scales – from microscopic multiphase flow in porous media to the interaction of different modules in complex drive and conversion processes. We use detailed particle and continuum methods to investigate local distributions in individual components, as well as reduced models and data-based approaches for entire systems or long-term investigations. A particular focus is on the further development of cross-scale models and efficient simulation approaches for transferring fundamental knowledge into application. In this area, we are generally interested in collaborations for the further development, validation and application of these approaches.

MICRO- AND MESOSCALE
MODELLING

  • Transport and multiphase flows in porous materials:
    • Influence of structure and surface properties on effective transport properties
    • Analysis of dynamic transport properties (water absorption behaviour, relative permeability)
  • Flow behaviour of non-Newtonian, complex fluids:
    • electrolyte suspensions for flow batteries
    • Processing of highly filled graphite-polymer compounds for bipolar plates
  • Methods: Lattice Boltzmann method, pore network models, CFD (FVM), DEM
  • Software: GeoDict, Palabos, OpenPNM, OpenFOAM, CFDEM, LIGGGHT

 

Continuum modelling (CFD)

  • Flow, heat and mass transport
  • Reaction phenomena in (electro-)chemical converters
  • Flow calculations in flow fields, diffusion layers and stacks
  • Multiphysics simulation of single cells
  • Simulation of tank filling, flow propagation, hot spots
  • CFD-based reactor simulation (e.g. ammonia cracker)
  • Software: AVL FIRE, FloEFD, OpenFOAM

 

Reduced modelling and data-based methods

 

  • Dimension-reduced modelling of fuel cell and electrolysis stacks
  • Performance and degradation modelling
  • Efficient design variations, sensitivity analyses and optimisation simulations
  • Use of machine learning for degradation prediction, AST development and model-based control strategies
  • Software: Open Source, modular (github.com/zbt-tools)

 

System simulation

  • Stationary and dynamic analysis of:
    • Hydrogen-based energy and propulsion systems
    • Power-to-X and X-to-Power processes (X = ammonia, methane, methanol, etc.)
    • Hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS)
  • Optimised design of complex energy conversion systems for flexible load profiles
  • Development and evaluation of control strategies
  • Software tools: Proprietary models (github.com/zbt-tools), AVL CRUISE M, MATLAB, Python

 

Evaluation, validation and optimisation of processes

Simulation-based analyses help us to evaluate hydrogen systems holistically – from individual components to the entire plant. We use process simulations, variant analyses and dynamic models to optimise operating points, validate new concepts and investigate complex plant configurations.

To ensure that our models are meaningful and robust, we base them on experimental reference data – from our own test benches or in close cooperation with research partners. Parameterisation, calibration and validation are carried out systematically, enabling a close link between simulation and physical reality.

Contact

Group Manager Modelling & Simulation

Lukas Feierabend
+49 203 7598-2353

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