Colloquium: Dr. Gautham Krishnamoorthy
Dr. Gautham Krishnamoorthy Department of Chemical Engineering University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDEnergy Research Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
This presentation will first provide an overview of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and then highlight through two case studies how CFD is being utilized at UND to investigate technologies related to energy research.
The first study will deal with CO2 capture from coal-fired power plants. Results from CFD simulations of oxy-coal combustion in a lab-scale furnace and a full-scale boiler will be discussed. It will be shown that the temperature and wall heat fluxes encountered during air firing can be replicated in oxy-combustion scenarios by appropriately recycling the flue gas stream.
The second study will discuss the light transfer characteristics in photobioreactors (PBR) for growing algae. Commercial, large scale cultivation of algae is desired for CO2 capture as well as for biofuel production. The distribution and availability of light can significantly influence the growth rate of algae. Results from CFD simulations of light transfer within different PBR configurations will be presented. Operating factors that need to be taken into account during the design, scale-up and optimization of PBRs will then be discussed.