Ansys simulation enables Globe to design smart, modular, carbon-neutral energy systems based on its innovative fuel cell technology.
Modular fuel cell manufacturer Globe Fuel Cell Systems relies on Ansys (Nasdaq: ANSS) digital simulation software to develop fuel cells (Pac) and hydrogen fuel cells for intralogistics applications, including its XLP80 model, a hybrid PAC system combined with a lithium-ion battery. The company's aim is to optimize and automate information management in industrial environments, including distribution centers, warehouses and hospitals, and thus help its customers accelerate their decarbonization strategy.
Temperature control is a key feature of fuel cells, requiring optimum design to ensure efficient energy conversion. Air flow plays an essential role in cooling the system in the event of unexpected heat variations. Globe therefore needs a detailed understanding of mass flows, temperature drops and flow distribution in an efficient loop, involving time-consuming physical tests.
The company relies on Ansys simulation software for fluid dynamics analysis (CFD) to speed up validation of cooling loop performance and reduce the number of iterations needed to verify temperature requirements.
The ability to simulate the loop throughout the entire stack system helps engineers to define the air flow required and the physical changes to be made to maximize system performance. The team implemented a three-step approach, saving three test benches in a closed-loop analysis and over 135,000 euros in development costs.
This means that digital simulation is now an integral part of the approval and certification process, and will enable Globe to scale up its system considerably faster in the future.
" The transport industry plays a crucial role in decarbonization, where speed and reliability are essential. ", says Dr. Bernhard Wienk-Borgert, co-founder and CTO of Globe Fuel Cell Systems. " Thanks to Ansys simulation and advice from our supplier Cadfem, our R&D team is able to accelerate the development of our new solutions with the confidence that they will work safely in the real world, while meeting customers' carbon neutrality objectives. "
" The road to carbon neutrality is long and demanding, and relies on innovative solutions such as the hydroelectric fuel cell system.Globe gene," adds Prith Banerjee, Chief Technology Officer at Ansys. " Simulation offers the possibility of very rapid scale-up, drastically reducing fuel cell development times and costs, and opening up new market opportunities for our customers. "