rocky-dem.com
Custom Fitting a Solution
for Custom-Fit Kitchen
Appliances
CASE STUDY
Challenge
To develop a more-efficient heat exchanger for a high-end
refrigerator, Sub-Zero engineers needed to realistically model the
flow and deposition of dirt, dust, hair and cotton fibers throughout
the component.
Rocky's role
The engineering team applied a one-way coupled CFD–DEM solution
that provided accurate insight into how a kitchen foulant recipe
affects heat exchanger flow and operation. Rocky DEM was a critical
choice, as it has built-in capabilities to model complex and fibrous
materials (which CFD and other DEM software cannot do), thus
yielding information on particle deposition, fluid forces acting on
particles such as drag, and adhesion forces.
Results
Using Rocky DEM enables Sub-Zero product designers to accurately
predict dirt flow through a refrigerator heat exchanger. Simulation is
speeded up with built-in GPU capabilities, saving time and money; in
addition, Rocky seamlessly integrates with the company's
multiphysics simulation portfolio. Understanding all aspects of flow
behavior is critical to ensuring robust operation in future Sub-Zero
refrigerator designs.
