Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Dual-Fuel Marine Engines

CFD is a cutting-edge simulation tool that plays a crucial role in advancing the design and optimisation of dual-fuel marine engines. These engines are pivotal for reducing emissions and improving efficiency in the maritime industry by utilising alternative fuels such as hydrogen, and methanol alongside conventional fuels.

CFD enables the precise modeling of combustion dynamics, creating mathematical models to simulate chemical reactions, heat transfer, and fluid flow within combustion chambers. These models are tailored specifically for dual-fuel configurations to account for varying fuel properties and mixtures. Additionally, mesh optimisation ensures accurate spatial representation of the combustion process by refining grid structures in simulation zones, balancing computational efficiency with detailed analysis.

Through numerical simulations, CFD allows researchers to analyze engine performance under various conditions, such as differing loads, temperatures, and fuel ratios. This provides critical insights into optimising engine efficiency and minimising pollutant emissions. Validation and refinement ensure that simulation results align with experimental data, enhancing the reliability of these models for real-world applications.

Looking ahead, the integration of machine learning offers the potential for real-time simulation adjustments, enhancing predictive capabilities. Expanding CFD to test fully renewable fuel systems could further the decarbonisation of maritime transport. Moreover, findings from CFD research may be integrated into digital twin systems, enabling predictive maintenance and operational monitoring.

This innovative approach supports environmental sustainability while ensuring the maritime industry remains competitive in an evolving regulatory and technological landscape.

For more information about the project contact Prof Gerasimos Theotokatos (gerasimos.theotokatos@strath.ac.uk) Professor at the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde or Panagiotis Karvounis (panagiotis.karvounis@strath.ac.uk), Research Assistant at the  Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.

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