Research in Power, Process, and Environmental Engineering

In the area of power, process, and environmental engineering the group will develop basic and applied research in the area of fluid mechancs, heat and mass transfer. Within the framework of this fundamental task the group wishes to engage in deeper understanding of theoretical and applied fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer taking advantage of numerical and physical experiments in the area of transport phenomena in fluids and solids, and further understanding of applied fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer in the area of heat engines, turbines, process engineering, and environmental engineering. The fundamental viewpoint of this research is common physical base of problems as described by mathemarical relations which are later solved taking advantage of various methods, either analytical, numerical, or experimental. The fundamental part of research program will be used by team members to advance their particular knowledge used for undertaking applied research earmarked also for those who wish to use them for commercial purposes.

New numerical algorithms for solving transport phenomena in multiphase turbulent flows based on the solution of velocity-vorticity formulation of Navier-Stokes equations qualitatively enable improved insight into local flow field, above all in the sense of study of vortical structures and their interaction with other transport phenomena. In-house software, developed in the research group, which was in the past year perfected with new techniques of solving multiphase flows, with new algorithms for turbulent simulations and new techniques aimed at reducing CPU time, is the result of the research done in the past years. Research in the field of numerical modelling of combustion of fuels made out of waste have a direct meaning for upgrading existent and development of new models of heterogeneous combustion of solid fuels at variable conditions. In this way it is possible to study of influential factors for achievement of full combustion, which is the key factor for reduction of environmental impact of different procedures for energetic exploitation of waste. Usage of CFD as a tool for basis engineering is increased. This represents a basis for operation of a central control system of a plant for energetic exploitation of waste, which must ensure effective operation of the combustion chamber in all operation regimes. On the basis of result analysis it is possible to indirectly find out the usefulness of starting models of combustion and chemical kinetics, which can be, by the method of iteration at the macro level, improved to get a better approximation of the real physical and chemical state. With the research in the field of manufacturing fuel out of waste we are generating a scientific contribution in the field of alternative fuels from the point of view of usage of such fuels in existing combustion chambers for fossil fuels. We are giving special emphasis on phase transformation of halogen compounds and heavy metals and their role in the origin of harmful substances through different catalytical processes. Originality of our research in the field of engine research is ensured by experimental and numerical supported optimization of engines as regards to ecological, economical, efficient and tribological characteristics of a diesel engine when using new, untested, alternative fuels. Scientific contribution is expected in the field of understanding the influence of alternative fuels on the characteristics of the injection, fuel jet, combustion, engine output characteristics, modelling of two-phase flows with newly developed or for this purpose adapted experimental and CFD methods and techniques. Several scientific sources in the field of alternative fuels give indication for this field to be interesting and contemporary.

The research and newly developed numerical algorithms and simulation tools have an indirect and direct influence of the development of Slovenia. Indirect influence is seen in the numerous research projects performed for the industry, where new knowledge obtained through research in the field of energy, process and environmental engineering was used. Indirect influence is the transfer of accumulated knowledge on the students of postgraduate programs of mechanical engineering and technical environmental protection in the framework of courses and within masters and doctoral thesis. Research cooperation with industry has additionally influenced the development and accreditation of modernized masters programme of mechanical engineering and new masters program technical protection of environment within the University of Maribor. Results of research of our research group will have long term importance for the increase of new work positions. Vision of development of companies with which we cooperate is based on continuous increase of competitive capacity and assurance of top quality and incensement of added value of their products. In the field of energy and process engineering we have a long term cooperation with Hella-Saturnus for the development of simulation models for thermal load of illuminants, as well as cooperation with Turboinštitut in the field of turbine development. With Turna, d.o.o. we work in the field of development of sealants for cold-storage plants. With Esotech, d.d. we work in the field of research into spray colons for excretion of sulphur compounds out of gases. Recently the industry uses, within the product development phase, numerical methods and modelling of different processes via computer more often. An important social segment, which uses these methods, is energy supply – power supply, especially renewable energy sources such as hydroenergy. By using the latest software, which is developed and tested in the research programme and the latest hardware, we are able to help Slovenian industry to be able to compete in the world market. In the field of engine development the results of investigations are useful for harmful engine emissions reduction, improvement of the tribology parameters, and for necessary engine adjustments when using biofuels. Another benefit are in the prevention of problems on various engine components when using biofuels. Furthermore, the investigation results are very important for domestic biofuel producers (Biogoriva d.o.o.) for the selection of the most suitable raw materials and the production technologies. Finally, the investigation results at our faculty are useful both to reduce emissions and to stimulate the usage of alternative fuels in Slovenia. Within existing research programmes we established close cooperation with industrial partners from home and abroad, which are direct users of research and development in the field of combustion and in the field of using waste as an energy source. KIV, d.d. is the leading Slovenian company in the field of development and manufacturing average size waste incineration systems, where the released energy is harnessed. With KIV we cooperated in the development and construction of the first waste fuel incineration plant in Slovenia – Toplarna Celje. Strategic cooperation with KIV, d.d. in the framework of RIP projects (financed by TIA) and local (IOS d.o.o., EmTronic d.o.o., Surovina d.d.) and British (Lang O'Rourke, BIFA, ORCHID BioEnergy Limited) partners opens the possibility for international cooperation for development of special combustion chambers, which can operate in different operation regimes (gasification, gasification-combustion, combustion). Cooperation of KIV, d.d. with British partners enables other companies in the group faster and more efficient introduction in the environmentally aware and competitive market.