Development and verification of an in-flow water condensation model for 3D-CFD simulations of humid air streams mixing

Abstract

[EN] Bulk flow condensation caused by the mixing of air streams at different temperatures and humidities is a thermodynamic process that requires strong assumptions to be calculated with low computational effort. The applicability of a model that correctly predicts this phenomenon has grown recently due in part to the deployment of the Long Route Exhaust Gas Recirculation emission reduction technique in combustion engines and the damage to the turbocharger caused by the condensation produced when the intake air is mixed with the combustion gases. This work is addressed to expose a condensation model that is implemented in a commercial 3D-CFD code and is then verified, checking whether the implemented physical equations are behaving as intended. Finally, a practical application is made, showing the potential of model to predict water condensation in a LR-EGR T-joint. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.