Due to the large scale of facilities in the power, oil and gas industries, small improvements to operational efficiency can result in substantial productivity increases and cost reductions.
Figure 1: Vorticity in the wake of components of an oil rig during heavy winds. The complex flow structure depends on both the arrangement and the wind direction; by utilising computational fluid dynamics modelling, both forces and frequencies can be identified.
Using advanced modelling techniques, such as CFD and dispersion modelling, Synergetics engineers have assisted clients with a range of operations including:
- heat exchanger modelling and optimisation;
- wind loading on oil rig and flare tower arrangements;
- improved ventilation in natural gas compressor stations;
- modelling and assessment of site location and configuration for novel wind and hydro turbines;
- optimisation of wind turbine designs;
- energy assessments to minimise consumption and to identify opportunities for green energy generation, such as photovoltaic solar panels;
- solar glare assessments for PV arrays;
- optimisation and simulated performance assessment of thermal energy storage systems;
- optimisation of combustion processes to reduce burner fuel consumption;
- feasibility assessment of a proposed cogeneration facility; and
- dispersion modelling from power generation and refining plumes for licencing and OHS purposes.
Figure 2: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of emission plumes for a set of three stacks.