Multiphase Flow Optimisation Strategies with Industrial Applications

Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions require innovative and technologically viable solutions to be developed. Technology holds the greatest potential to help society address the challenges of designing energy efficient concepts at affordable prices. Among the wide envelope of factors, one core characteristic relevant to this proposal is the occurrence of multiphase flows, which are ubiquitous in nature and industry. For example, hydraulic turbomachines, ship propeller systems, and e-fuel injectors are compromised by the occurrence of catastrophic cavitation. In the field of power generation, boiling heat transfer is the predominant energy conversion method. Multiphase flows for immiscible fluids seem to hold the key to the efficient design of emerging electrification technologies of the transport sector, such as battery thermal management systems and Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells for innovative aviation propulsion systems, as well as in the design of energy efficient marine vessels. Optimisation methods for designing efficient systems are largely missing from the relevant technological sectors. MFLOPS aspires to develop coupled multiphase flow and optimisation methods, including adjoint methods, and apply them to cases specified by MFLOPS’s non-academic beneficiaries and partners. This coupling of research with industry makes MFLOPS a truly innovative network for Doctoral researchers to start their career. A holistic training is provided by scientists and industry leaders to facilitate the accomplishment of the scientific tasks and to apply them to industrial practice. Additional networking, transferable skills and rigorous scientific training on the relevant topics make MFLOPS a well-connected cohort of future leaders with the ability to communicate across disciplines, aiming to support European industries, while been heavily involved in the public mandate for global CO2 reduction.