Project acronym AEROSPACEPHYS
Project Multiphysics models and simulations for reacting and plasma flows applied to the space exploration program
Researcher (PI) Thierry Edouard Bertrand Magin
Host Institution (HI) INSTITUT VON KARMAN DE DYNAMIQUE DES FLUIDES
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Space exploration is one of boldest and most exciting endeavors that humanity has undertaken, and it holds enormous promise for the future. Our next challenges for the spatial conquest include bringing back samples to Earth by means of robotic missions and continuing the manned exploration program, which aims at sending human beings to Mars and bring them home safely. Inaccurate prediction of the heat-flux to the surface of the spacecraft heat shield can be fatal for the crew or the success of a robotic mission. This quantity is estimated during the design phase. An accurate prediction is a particularly complex task, regarding modelling of the following phenomena that are potential “mission killers:” 1) Radiation of the plasma in the shock layer, 2) Complex surface chemistry on the thermal protection material, 3) Flow transition from laminar to turbulent. Our poor understanding of the coupled mechanisms of radiation, ablation, and transition leads to the difficulties in flux prediction. To avoid failure and ensure safety of the astronauts and payload, engineers resort to “safety factors” to determine the thickness of the heat shield, at the expense of the mass of embarked payload. Thinking out of the box and basic research are thus necessary for advancements of the models that will better define the environment and requirements for the design and safe operation of tomorrow’s space vehicles and planetary probes for the manned space exploration. The three basic ingredients for predictive science are: 1) Physico-chemical models, 2) Computational methods, 3) Experimental data. We propose to follow a complementary approach for prediction. The proposed research aims at: “Integrating new advanced physico-chemical models and computational methods, based on a multidisciplinary approach developed together with physicists, chemists, and applied mathematicians, to create a top-notch multiphysics and multiscale numerical platform for simulations of planetary atmosphere entries, crucial to the new challenges of the manned space exploration program. Experimental data will also be used for validation, following state-of-the-art uncertainty quantification methods.”
Summary
Space exploration is one of boldest and most exciting endeavors that humanity has undertaken, and it holds enormous promise for the future. Our next challenges for the spatial conquest include bringing back samples to Earth by means of robotic missions and continuing the manned exploration program, which aims at sending human beings to Mars and bring them home safely. Inaccurate prediction of the heat-flux to the surface of the spacecraft heat shield can be fatal for the crew or the success of a robotic mission. This quantity is estimated during the design phase. An accurate prediction is a particularly complex task, regarding modelling of the following phenomena that are potential “mission killers:” 1) Radiation of the plasma in the shock layer, 2) Complex surface chemistry on the thermal protection material, 3) Flow transition from laminar to turbulent. Our poor understanding of the coupled mechanisms of radiation, ablation, and transition leads to the difficulties in flux prediction. To avoid failure and ensure safety of the astronauts and payload, engineers resort to “safety factors” to determine the thickness of the heat shield, at the expense of the mass of embarked payload. Thinking out of the box and basic research are thus necessary for advancements of the models that will better define the environment and requirements for the design and safe operation of tomorrow’s space vehicles and planetary probes for the manned space exploration. The three basic ingredients for predictive science are: 1) Physico-chemical models, 2) Computational methods, 3) Experimental data. We propose to follow a complementary approach for prediction. The proposed research aims at: “Integrating new advanced physico-chemical models and computational methods, based on a multidisciplinary approach developed together with physicists, chemists, and applied mathematicians, to create a top-notch multiphysics and multiscale numerical platform for simulations of planetary atmosphere entries, crucial to the new challenges of the manned space exploration program. Experimental data will also be used for validation, following state-of-the-art uncertainty quantification methods.”
Max ERC Funding
1 494 892 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-09-01, End date: 2015-08-31
Project acronym AFRODITE
Project Advanced Fluid Research On Drag reduction In Turbulence Experiments
Researcher (PI) Jens Henrik Mikael Fransson
Host Institution (HI) KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HOEGSKOLAN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary A hot topic in today's debate on global warming is drag reduction in aeronautics. The most beneficial concept for drag reduction is to maintain the major portion of the airfoil laminar. Estimations show that the potential drag reduction can be as much as 15%, which would give a significant reduction of NOx and CO emissions in the atmosphere considering that the number of aircraft take offs, only in the EU, is over 19 million per year. An important element for successful flow control, which can lead to a reduced aerodynamic drag, is enhanced physical understanding of the transition to turbulence process.
In previous wind tunnel measurements we have shown that roughness elements can be used to sensibly delay transition to turbulence. The result is revolutionary, since the common belief has been that surface roughness causes earlier transition and in turn increases the drag, and is a proof of concept of the passive control method per se. The beauty with a passive control technique is that no external energy has to be added to the flow system in order to perform the control, instead one uses the existing energy in the flow.
In this project proposal, AFRODITE, we will take this passive control method to the next level by making it twofold, more persistent and more robust. Transition prevention is the goal rather than transition delay and the method will be extended to simultaneously control separation, which is another unwanted flow phenomenon especially during airplane take offs. AFRODITE will be a catalyst for innovative research, which will lead to a cleaner sky.
Summary
A hot topic in today's debate on global warming is drag reduction in aeronautics. The most beneficial concept for drag reduction is to maintain the major portion of the airfoil laminar. Estimations show that the potential drag reduction can be as much as 15%, which would give a significant reduction of NOx and CO emissions in the atmosphere considering that the number of aircraft take offs, only in the EU, is over 19 million per year. An important element for successful flow control, which can lead to a reduced aerodynamic drag, is enhanced physical understanding of the transition to turbulence process.
In previous wind tunnel measurements we have shown that roughness elements can be used to sensibly delay transition to turbulence. The result is revolutionary, since the common belief has been that surface roughness causes earlier transition and in turn increases the drag, and is a proof of concept of the passive control method per se. The beauty with a passive control technique is that no external energy has to be added to the flow system in order to perform the control, instead one uses the existing energy in the flow.
In this project proposal, AFRODITE, we will take this passive control method to the next level by making it twofold, more persistent and more robust. Transition prevention is the goal rather than transition delay and the method will be extended to simultaneously control separation, which is another unwanted flow phenomenon especially during airplane take offs. AFRODITE will be a catalyst for innovative research, which will lead to a cleaner sky.
Max ERC Funding
1 418 399 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym ALORS
Project Advanced Lagrangian Optimization, Receptivity and Sensitivity analysis applied to industrial situations
Researcher (PI) Matthew Pudan Juniper
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARSOF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary In the last ten years there has been a surge of interest in non-modal analysis applied to canonical problems in fundamental fluid mechanics. Even in simple flows, the stability behaviour predicted by non-modal analysis can be completely different from and far more accurate than that predicted by conventional eigenvalue analysis.
As well as being more accurate, the tools of non-modal analysis, such as Lagrangian optimization, are very versatile. Furthermore, the outputs, such as receptivity and sensitivity maps of a flow, provide powerful insight for engineers. They describe where a flow is most receptive to forcing or where the flow is most sensitive to modification.
The application of non-modal analysis to canonical problems has set the scene for step changes in engineering practice in fluid mechanics and thermoacoustics. The technical objectives of this proposal are to apply non-modal analysis to high Reynolds number flows, reacting flows and thermoacoustic systems, to compare theoretical predictions with experimental measurements and to embed these techniques within an industrial design tool that has already been developed by the group.
This research group s vision is that future generations of engineering CFD tools will contain modules that can perform non-modal analysis. The generalized approach proposed here, combined with challenging scientific and engineering examples that are backed up by experimental evidence, will make this possible and demonstrate it to a wider engineering community.
Summary
In the last ten years there has been a surge of interest in non-modal analysis applied to canonical problems in fundamental fluid mechanics. Even in simple flows, the stability behaviour predicted by non-modal analysis can be completely different from and far more accurate than that predicted by conventional eigenvalue analysis.
As well as being more accurate, the tools of non-modal analysis, such as Lagrangian optimization, are very versatile. Furthermore, the outputs, such as receptivity and sensitivity maps of a flow, provide powerful insight for engineers. They describe where a flow is most receptive to forcing or where the flow is most sensitive to modification.
The application of non-modal analysis to canonical problems has set the scene for step changes in engineering practice in fluid mechanics and thermoacoustics. The technical objectives of this proposal are to apply non-modal analysis to high Reynolds number flows, reacting flows and thermoacoustic systems, to compare theoretical predictions with experimental measurements and to embed these techniques within an industrial design tool that has already been developed by the group.
This research group s vision is that future generations of engineering CFD tools will contain modules that can perform non-modal analysis. The generalized approach proposed here, combined with challenging scientific and engineering examples that are backed up by experimental evidence, will make this possible and demonstrate it to a wider engineering community.
Max ERC Funding
1 301 196 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-12-01, End date: 2016-06-30
Project acronym ARMOS
Project Advanced multifunctional Reactors for green Mobility and Solar fuels
Researcher (PI) Athanasios Konstandopoulos
Host Institution (HI) ETHNIKO KENTRO EREVNAS KAI TECHNOLOGIKIS ANAPTYXIS
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary Green Mobility requires an integrated approach to the chain fuel/engine/emissions. The present project aims at ground breaking advances in the area of Green Mobility by (a) enabling the production of affordable, carbon-neutral, clean, solar fuels using exclusively renewable/recyclable raw materials, namely solar energy, water and captured Carbon Dioxide from combustion power plants (b) developing a highly compact, multifunctional reactor, able to eliminate gaseous and particulate emissions from the exhaust of engines operated on such clean fuels.
The overall research approach will be based on material science, engineering and simulation technology developed by the PI over the past 20 years in the area of Diesel Emission Control Reactors, which will be further extended and cross-fertilized in the area of Solar Thermochemical Reactors, an emerging discipline of high importance for sustainable development, where the PI’s research group has already made significant contributions, and received the 2006 European Commission’s Descartes Prize for the development of the first ever solar reactor, holding the potential to produce on a large scale, pure renewable Hydrogen from the thermochemical splitting of water, also known as the HYDROSOL technology.
Summary
Green Mobility requires an integrated approach to the chain fuel/engine/emissions. The present project aims at ground breaking advances in the area of Green Mobility by (a) enabling the production of affordable, carbon-neutral, clean, solar fuels using exclusively renewable/recyclable raw materials, namely solar energy, water and captured Carbon Dioxide from combustion power plants (b) developing a highly compact, multifunctional reactor, able to eliminate gaseous and particulate emissions from the exhaust of engines operated on such clean fuels.
The overall research approach will be based on material science, engineering and simulation technology developed by the PI over the past 20 years in the area of Diesel Emission Control Reactors, which will be further extended and cross-fertilized in the area of Solar Thermochemical Reactors, an emerging discipline of high importance for sustainable development, where the PI’s research group has already made significant contributions, and received the 2006 European Commission’s Descartes Prize for the development of the first ever solar reactor, holding the potential to produce on a large scale, pure renewable Hydrogen from the thermochemical splitting of water, also known as the HYDROSOL technology.
Max ERC Funding
1 750 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-02-01, End date: 2017-01-31
Project acronym ATHENE
Project Designing new technical wastewater treatment solutions targeted for organic micropollutant biodegradation, by understanding enzymatic pathways and assessing detoxification
Researcher (PI) Thomas Ternes
Host Institution (HI) Bundesanstalt fuer Gewaesserkunde
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary The identification of degradation pathways relevant for organic micropollutants in biological wastewater treatment processes is currently a major gap, preventing a profound evaluation of the capability of biological wastewater treatment. By elucidating the responsible enzymatic reactions of mixed microbial populations this project will cover this gap and thereby allow finding technical solutions that harness the true potential of biological processes for an enhanced biodegradation and detoxification. Due to the multi-disciplinary approach Athene will have impacts on the fields of biological wastewater treatment, analytical and environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, water and (eco)toxicity. The multi-disciplinary approach of the project requires the involvement of a co-investigator experienced in process engineering and microbiology in wastewater treatment. Athene will go far beyond state-of-the-art in the following fields: a) efficiency in chemical analysis and structure identification of transformation products at environmental relevant concentrations; b) identification of enzymatic pathways relevant for micropollutant degradation in biological wastewater treatment; c) designing innovative technical solutions to maximize biodegradation; d) map and model relevant enzymatic pathways for environmental concentrations. Furthermore, designing biological wastewater treatment processes by understanding enzymatic pathways relevant for organic micropollutants removal represents a paradigm shift for municipal wastewater treatment. In the context of the actual scientific discussion about the relevance of trace organics in the aquatic environment and in drinking water, this topic is deemed as highly innovative: for its potential of proposing new technical options as well as for the gain in understanding compound persistency. Finally enzymatic reactions as well as the treatment schemes will be assessed for there capability to reduce toxiciological effects.
Summary
The identification of degradation pathways relevant for organic micropollutants in biological wastewater treatment processes is currently a major gap, preventing a profound evaluation of the capability of biological wastewater treatment. By elucidating the responsible enzymatic reactions of mixed microbial populations this project will cover this gap and thereby allow finding technical solutions that harness the true potential of biological processes for an enhanced biodegradation and detoxification. Due to the multi-disciplinary approach Athene will have impacts on the fields of biological wastewater treatment, analytical and environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, water and (eco)toxicity. The multi-disciplinary approach of the project requires the involvement of a co-investigator experienced in process engineering and microbiology in wastewater treatment. Athene will go far beyond state-of-the-art in the following fields: a) efficiency in chemical analysis and structure identification of transformation products at environmental relevant concentrations; b) identification of enzymatic pathways relevant for micropollutant degradation in biological wastewater treatment; c) designing innovative technical solutions to maximize biodegradation; d) map and model relevant enzymatic pathways for environmental concentrations. Furthermore, designing biological wastewater treatment processes by understanding enzymatic pathways relevant for organic micropollutants removal represents a paradigm shift for municipal wastewater treatment. In the context of the actual scientific discussion about the relevance of trace organics in the aquatic environment and in drinking water, this topic is deemed as highly innovative: for its potential of proposing new technical options as well as for the gain in understanding compound persistency. Finally enzymatic reactions as well as the treatment schemes will be assessed for there capability to reduce toxiciological effects.
Max ERC Funding
3 473 400 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-04-01, End date: 2017-03-31
Project acronym BONEMECHBIO
Project Frontier research in bone mechanobiology during normal physiology, disease and for tissue regeneration
Researcher (PI) Laoise Maria Cunningham
Host Institution (HI) NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND GALWAY
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary While previous studies have investigated cell-signalling pathways that facilitate mechanotransduction and have provided a wealth of data, to date, in vivo mechanobiology is not fully understood. In the research study proposed the applicant will embark upon frontier research to delineate these specific aspects of bone mechanotransduction during normal physiology, disease and for tissue regeneration purposes. If these quantities were better understood the proposed research program will deliver significant advances in the understanding of the mechanical regulation of bone remodelling during normal physiology and osteoporosis, and will enhance approaches for regeneration of bone tissue for treatment of bone pathologies. The primary objective is to delineate the normal mechanosensory and signalling mechanisms of bone cells. The secondary objective is to determine whether the regulatory role of bone cells is inhibited or impaired during bone diseases such as osteoporosis. The final objective of this project is to develop an in vitro mechanical loading device that can enhance bone tissue regeneration and thereby advance current treatment approaches for bone pathologies. To address these objectives, five hypotheses have been defined, each of which will underpin the research of five work packages. A combination of experimental studies, using animal models and in vitro cell culture, and computational modelling will be taken to test each of these hypotheses. Answering these hypotheses will bring us closer to an understanding of the origins of bone mechanobiology and diseases such as osteoporosis. Furthermore, the results of these studies will facilitate development of novel approaches to enhance bone regeneration in vitro.
Summary
While previous studies have investigated cell-signalling pathways that facilitate mechanotransduction and have provided a wealth of data, to date, in vivo mechanobiology is not fully understood. In the research study proposed the applicant will embark upon frontier research to delineate these specific aspects of bone mechanotransduction during normal physiology, disease and for tissue regeneration purposes. If these quantities were better understood the proposed research program will deliver significant advances in the understanding of the mechanical regulation of bone remodelling during normal physiology and osteoporosis, and will enhance approaches for regeneration of bone tissue for treatment of bone pathologies. The primary objective is to delineate the normal mechanosensory and signalling mechanisms of bone cells. The secondary objective is to determine whether the regulatory role of bone cells is inhibited or impaired during bone diseases such as osteoporosis. The final objective of this project is to develop an in vitro mechanical loading device that can enhance bone tissue regeneration and thereby advance current treatment approaches for bone pathologies. To address these objectives, five hypotheses have been defined, each of which will underpin the research of five work packages. A combination of experimental studies, using animal models and in vitro cell culture, and computational modelling will be taken to test each of these hypotheses. Answering these hypotheses will bring us closer to an understanding of the origins of bone mechanobiology and diseases such as osteoporosis. Furthermore, the results of these studies will facilitate development of novel approaches to enhance bone regeneration in vitro.
Max ERC Funding
1 499 911 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
Project acronym COMFUS
Project Computational Methods for Fusion Technology
Researcher (PI) Santiago Ignacio Badia Rodríguez
Host Institution (HI) CENTRE INTERNACIONAL DE METODES NUMERICS EN ENGINYERIA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary The simulation of multidisciplinary applications use very often a combination of heterogeneous and disjoint numerical techniques that are hard to put together by the user, and whose mathematical foundation is obscure. An example of this situation is the numerical modeling of the physical processes taking place in nuclear fusion reactors. This problem, which can be modeled by a set of partial differential equations, is extremely challenging. It involves (essentially) fluid mechanics, electromagnetics, thermal radiation and neutronics. The most common numerical approaches to each of these problems separately are very different and their coupling is a hard and inefficient task.
Our main objective in this proposal is to develop and analyze a unified numerical framework based on stabilized finite element methods based on multi-scale decompositions capable to simulate all the physical processes taking place in nuclear fusion technology. The project aims at giving a substantial contribution to the numerical approximation of every physical process as well as efficient coupling techniques for the multiphysics problems.
The development of the numerical formulations we propose and their application require mastering different physics, designing numerical approximations for these different physical problems, analyzing mathematically the resulting methods, implementing them in an efficient way in parallel platforms and understanding the results and drawing conclusions, both from a physical and from an engineering perspective. Advanced research in physical modeling, numerical approximations, mathematical analysis and computer implementation are the keys to meeting these objectives.
The successful implementation of the project will provide advanced numerical techniques for the simulation of the processes taking place in a fusion reactor. A deliverable product of the project will be a unified finite element software package that will be an extremely valuable tool.
Summary
The simulation of multidisciplinary applications use very often a combination of heterogeneous and disjoint numerical techniques that are hard to put together by the user, and whose mathematical foundation is obscure. An example of this situation is the numerical modeling of the physical processes taking place in nuclear fusion reactors. This problem, which can be modeled by a set of partial differential equations, is extremely challenging. It involves (essentially) fluid mechanics, electromagnetics, thermal radiation and neutronics. The most common numerical approaches to each of these problems separately are very different and their coupling is a hard and inefficient task.
Our main objective in this proposal is to develop and analyze a unified numerical framework based on stabilized finite element methods based on multi-scale decompositions capable to simulate all the physical processes taking place in nuclear fusion technology. The project aims at giving a substantial contribution to the numerical approximation of every physical process as well as efficient coupling techniques for the multiphysics problems.
The development of the numerical formulations we propose and their application require mastering different physics, designing numerical approximations for these different physical problems, analyzing mathematically the resulting methods, implementing them in an efficient way in parallel platforms and understanding the results and drawing conclusions, both from a physical and from an engineering perspective. Advanced research in physical modeling, numerical approximations, mathematical analysis and computer implementation are the keys to meeting these objectives.
The successful implementation of the project will provide advanced numerical techniques for the simulation of the processes taking place in a fusion reactor. A deliverable product of the project will be a unified finite element software package that will be an extremely valuable tool.
Max ERC Funding
1 320 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym COOLART
Project Science-based Paradigm Shift for Metalworking Fluids - the Art of Cooling
Researcher (PI) Ekkard Brinksmeier
Host Institution (HI) LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUR WERKSTOFFORIENTIERTE TECHNOLOGIEN-IWT
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary The overall goal of the project is to elaborate the scientific foundations for possible future innovations in the application of metalworking
fluids (MWFs). For most mechanical machining processes such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding the use of MWFs is indispensable
as they perform several essential functions in material removal processes, such as cooling of workpiece and tool, reduction of heat
generation by lubrication, removal of chips and promotion of chemical reactions with the surface.
In the past decades the scientific understanding of MWF effectiveness could not keep up with the rapid developments in the industrial
application of MWFs. As a consequence of this lack of knowledge, today’s MWFs consist of up to 60 chemical components with partly
harmful properties and thus hazardous potential for the operator and the environment.
Hence, this project will aim towards scientific based innovations and suggests a four-mission approach for stimulating a paradigm shift in
MWF features and application. Research will include: a) fundamental research on physical, chemical, and microbial working mechanisms,
which allows MWF components e.g., with controlled chemical activity, b) new MWF design e.g., the development of MWFs which consist of
lubricating bacteria replacing today’s paradigms such as the usage of additives and oil in water emulsions, c) simplified MWF maintenance
and supply by e.g., in-process self-controlled chemical MWF composition and adaptation of the MWF supply system for temperature and
force reduction, and d) verification and transfer of the innovative, alternative systems e.g., on a test bench in a realistic environment being
part of a demonstration center. The distinguishing feature of the approach will be its cross-disciplinary and comprehensive nature.
Summary
The overall goal of the project is to elaborate the scientific foundations for possible future innovations in the application of metalworking
fluids (MWFs). For most mechanical machining processes such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding the use of MWFs is indispensable
as they perform several essential functions in material removal processes, such as cooling of workpiece and tool, reduction of heat
generation by lubrication, removal of chips and promotion of chemical reactions with the surface.
In the past decades the scientific understanding of MWF effectiveness could not keep up with the rapid developments in the industrial
application of MWFs. As a consequence of this lack of knowledge, today’s MWFs consist of up to 60 chemical components with partly
harmful properties and thus hazardous potential for the operator and the environment.
Hence, this project will aim towards scientific based innovations and suggests a four-mission approach for stimulating a paradigm shift in
MWF features and application. Research will include: a) fundamental research on physical, chemical, and microbial working mechanisms,
which allows MWF components e.g., with controlled chemical activity, b) new MWF design e.g., the development of MWFs which consist of
lubricating bacteria replacing today’s paradigms such as the usage of additives and oil in water emulsions, c) simplified MWF maintenance
and supply by e.g., in-process self-controlled chemical MWF composition and adaptation of the MWF supply system for temperature and
force reduction, and d) verification and transfer of the innovative, alternative systems e.g., on a test bench in a realistic environment being
part of a demonstration center. The distinguishing feature of the approach will be its cross-disciplinary and comprehensive nature.
Max ERC Funding
2 274 600 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-05-01, End date: 2016-04-30
Project acronym CUTTINGBUBBLES
Project Bubbles on the Cutting Edge
Researcher (PI) Niels Gerbrand Deen
Host Institution (HI) TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Many processes in the chemical, petrochemical and/or biological industries involve three phase gas-liquidsolid flows, where the solid material acts as a catalyst carrier, the gas phase supplies the reactants for the (bio-)chemical transformations and the liquid phase carries the product. In these processes the performance and operation of the reactor is mostly constrained by the interfacial mass transfer rate and the achievable insitu heat removal rate. A micro-structured bubble column reactor that significantly improves these crucial properties is proposed in this project. This novel type of reactor takes advantage of micro-structuring of the catalyst carrier in the form of a wire-mesh (see Figure 1).
The aim of the wire-mesh is i) to cut bubbles into smaller pieces leading to a larger interfacial area, ii) to enhance the bubble interface dynamics and mass transfer due to the interaction between the bubbles and the wires, and iii) to save costs in practical operation due to the smaller required reactor volume and the fact that
there is no need for an external filtration unit.
Cutting edge three-phase direct numerical simulation (DNS) tools and novel non-invasive optical (highspeed camera) techniques are used to study the micro-scale interaction between bubbles and a wire-mesh to gain understanding of the splitting and merging of bubbles and associated mass transfer characteristics. Furthermore, a proof-of-principle of the micro-structured reactor will be given through lab-scale experiments and macroscopic Euler-Lagrange numerical simulations, employing bubble-wire interaction closures based on the DNS simulations.
In addition to the novel reactor type, the project will generate a broad set of fundamental numerical and experimental research tools that can be used for the improvement of various gas-liquid-solid processes.
Several large companies (AkzoNobel, DSM, Sabic and Shell) have indicated their interest in the proposed
project and would like to be involved in a users committee.
Summary
Many processes in the chemical, petrochemical and/or biological industries involve three phase gas-liquidsolid flows, where the solid material acts as a catalyst carrier, the gas phase supplies the reactants for the (bio-)chemical transformations and the liquid phase carries the product. In these processes the performance and operation of the reactor is mostly constrained by the interfacial mass transfer rate and the achievable insitu heat removal rate. A micro-structured bubble column reactor that significantly improves these crucial properties is proposed in this project. This novel type of reactor takes advantage of micro-structuring of the catalyst carrier in the form of a wire-mesh (see Figure 1).
The aim of the wire-mesh is i) to cut bubbles into smaller pieces leading to a larger interfacial area, ii) to enhance the bubble interface dynamics and mass transfer due to the interaction between the bubbles and the wires, and iii) to save costs in practical operation due to the smaller required reactor volume and the fact that
there is no need for an external filtration unit.
Cutting edge three-phase direct numerical simulation (DNS) tools and novel non-invasive optical (highspeed camera) techniques are used to study the micro-scale interaction between bubbles and a wire-mesh to gain understanding of the splitting and merging of bubbles and associated mass transfer characteristics. Furthermore, a proof-of-principle of the micro-structured reactor will be given through lab-scale experiments and macroscopic Euler-Lagrange numerical simulations, employing bubble-wire interaction closures based on the DNS simulations.
In addition to the novel reactor type, the project will generate a broad set of fundamental numerical and experimental research tools that can be used for the improvement of various gas-liquid-solid processes.
Several large companies (AkzoNobel, DSM, Sabic and Shell) have indicated their interest in the proposed
project and would like to be involved in a users committee.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-09-01, End date: 2015-08-31
Project acronym H2-SMS-CAT
Project Engineering of Supported Molten Salt Catalysts for Dehydrogenation Reactions and Hydrogen Production Technologies
Researcher (PI) Peter Wasserscheid
Host Institution (HI) FRIEDRICH-ALEXANDER-UNIVERSITAET ERLANGEN-NUERNBERG
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary The ultimate goal in the development of more efficient catalytic technologies is to combine selectivity, productivity, robustness and ease of processing on the highest possible level. For this purpose, new approaches to integrate molecular catalysis into heterogeneous systems are required. This H2-SMS-CAT project aims to establish homogeneous catalysis in heterogeneous systems in the temperature range of 200°C to 500°C. The project will focus on the engineering of Supported Molten Salt catalysts, i.e. materials that contain as the catalytic active film a eutectic molten salt mixture which is immobilized on the high internal surface of an inorganic support. Within the project, the H2-SMS-CAT technology will be exemplified for selected dehydrogenation reactions and hydrogen production technologies. The proposed demonstrator applications are of great technical relevance in the context of hydrogen storage and transportation technologies and for catalytic alkane activation.
Our team is ideally suited to undertake this venture. We are excited by the idea to combine our top-level expertise in ionic liquid/molten salt chemistry, organometallics and reaction engineering to unlock high temperature applications for molecular defined, homogeneous, high temperature dehydrogenation catalysis. The project will cover aspects of support material engineering, catalytic eutectics development, catalyst and reactor design as well as mechanistic and spectroscopic investigations. In case of success, the outcome of this project will be of fundamental relevance for the whole field of catalysis. New insight into the nature of operating catalytic materials can be expected from a detailed comparison of classical metal-on-support catalysts with our new H2-SMS-CAT systems.
Summary
The ultimate goal in the development of more efficient catalytic technologies is to combine selectivity, productivity, robustness and ease of processing on the highest possible level. For this purpose, new approaches to integrate molecular catalysis into heterogeneous systems are required. This H2-SMS-CAT project aims to establish homogeneous catalysis in heterogeneous systems in the temperature range of 200°C to 500°C. The project will focus on the engineering of Supported Molten Salt catalysts, i.e. materials that contain as the catalytic active film a eutectic molten salt mixture which is immobilized on the high internal surface of an inorganic support. Within the project, the H2-SMS-CAT technology will be exemplified for selected dehydrogenation reactions and hydrogen production technologies. The proposed demonstrator applications are of great technical relevance in the context of hydrogen storage and transportation technologies and for catalytic alkane activation.
Our team is ideally suited to undertake this venture. We are excited by the idea to combine our top-level expertise in ionic liquid/molten salt chemistry, organometallics and reaction engineering to unlock high temperature applications for molecular defined, homogeneous, high temperature dehydrogenation catalysis. The project will cover aspects of support material engineering, catalytic eutectics development, catalyst and reactor design as well as mechanistic and spectroscopic investigations. In case of success, the outcome of this project will be of fundamental relevance for the whole field of catalysis. New insight into the nature of operating catalytic materials can be expected from a detailed comparison of classical metal-on-support catalysts with our new H2-SMS-CAT systems.
Max ERC Funding
1 862 400 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
