Virtualmech energy CSP presentation

Virtualmech comercial presentation for CSP sector.

2. Who we are: Technology
Technology-fueled company

Applied research to engineering

State-of-the-art technical and scientic advances
Tools: Computational Mechanics

Multibody Dynamics for machines and vehicles

FEM for mechanical and thermal analysis

CFD for uid dynamics/thermal
Technical areas

Simulation driven design/product development

Multiphysics simulation

Total design (analysis, optimization and evaluation)

3. Total design
In product design cycle, we provide:
1.Modelling, Simulation, Analysis:

Material modeling

Structural trustworthiness. Failure, fracture

Dynamics: transient effects and motion, fatigue cycles

Heat transfer and coupled thermo-mechanics: creep,
relaxation, thermal shock, thermal cycles

Thermal-uid-dynamics
2.Optimization of designs based on technical
or economical criteria
3.Evaluate and validate:

Analysis tools validation: FEM Model Updating,
Identication of Dynamical Systems

Lab and prototype testing

4. How we work: Methodology
Using off-the-shelf software packages and state-of-the-art methods
for design problems of the industry

FEM commercial or R&D package (FEAP, CodeAster, self-developed)

MSD commercial or R&D package (self-developed)

CFD commercial or R&D (CodeSaturne, Syrthes, openFOAM, self-developed)
Generatingad-hoctools for design/analysis of machines, mechanisms
and structures based on state-of-the-art in Mechanical Eng.

Redistributable software packages

Self-proprietary code

Advanced C++/Python programming

GUI programming (Qt)

Advanced postprocessing tools (VR, GTK, Paraview, Salome)

Detailed documented software and projects

5. Design: Analysis Tools
1.Finite Element (FEM):

Static and dynamic structural trustworthiness: creep, fatigue, maximum
service loads

Thermal stress

Elastic and inelastic stability: critical loads, postcritical behavior

Modal analysis

Design optimization and parametric modeling

Non-linear material models (temperature-dependent, plastic, granular)

Heat transfer: conduction, radiation, convection (Solar energy systems)
2.Thermal-CFD (Conjugate Heat Transfer)

Coupled thermal-uid analysis (solar receivers, heat exchangers)

Simulation of variety of HTF's for Solar industry

Convective/radiation losses in semi-closed cavities (Solar Receiver)
3.Multiphysics: coupled eld uid-thermal-mechanical
4.Multibody Dynamics: machines and vehicles simulation

6. Design: Optimization Tools
Optimal Mechanical Design:

Design problem is mathematically formulated as a non-linear optimization scheme
with constraints

Objective function: total volume and weight, costs, global strength

Constrains are given by: Ultimate and Serviceability limit states, geometry and
weight

7. Design: Testing tools
Data acquisition and sensoring,
mechanical testing:
1.Validate computational models:

Material characterization, constitutive modeling

Mechanical elements characterization

Parameter identication of dynamical systems, unknown mechanical
properties: damping, friction coefficients, unbalances
2.Data acquisition and testing

Professional commercial systems

Low-costad-hocsystems designed by Virtualmech (we deliver case-specic
hardware depending on customer needs: single/continuous use)

Self-developed data acquisition software and postprocessing tools

Micro-controllers/processors programming

8. What can we do for your company?
Virtualmech can help you in:
1.Design, validation and certication of:

Singular structures

Multiphysics systems: Solar energy, petrochemistry

Mechanical systems, machines and vehicles
2.Automation of repetitive simulation or
algebraic calculations by means ofad-hoc
software
3.Personalized design software for case-specic
problems

More exible and easier to use and learn

Cost-competitive and protable
4.Optimization, improvement and cost-cutting of
existing systems

9. Business Scope
CSP-CST Railroad Vehicle-Machine

10. Sector: CSP
Technology

State-of-the-art Computational Mechanics applied to your CSP needs

Coupled eld Multiphysics uid-thermal-mechanical simulations

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques for uid dynamics/thermal
problems: solar radiation to thermal energy conversion

Finite Element Method (FEM) for simulation of thermo-mechanical problems:
thermal stress

Total design: analysis, optimization, evaluation; based on simulation tools

Simulation of transient phenomena: start-ups, shut-downs, clouds

11. Sector: CSP
CSP Services:

Technology forecasting

Technical consultancy

Conceptual design of CSP components

Basic and detailed engineering of CSP components and systems. Certication

Independent Engineering

O&M improvements and cost-cutting based on simulation, analysis and redesign
or replacement of components and systems. Plant modernization.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Curves of parametric behavior for CSP components for integration in performance
and marketing/bankability analysis tools for plants

12. Application to CSP
Central tower (CT) receiver design:

Thermal layout

Thermal-hydraulic basic design

Thermo-mechanic basic design

Detailed engineering and certication
CT cavity design:

Radiation and convection losses minimization

Raytracing-based optimization to reduce optical losses

Insulation design
CT receiver distributor and collector design:

Pressure vessel code-based design (ASME BPVC)

Inner insulation design for high temperature HTF's (>900 C)

13. Application to CSP
Inlet and outlet piping design for high temperature and pressure
HTF's:

Insulation for controlled thermal losses

Thermal-hydraulic and mechanical design (clamps, bellows, insulation shell)

Ad-hoc anged joints for high temperature and different piping materials
Linear solar collectors (Fresnel, Parabolic Trough): tube-receiver or
multi-pipe bundle design
RCA and predictive analysis for O&M cost-cutting

Ball-joints and exible hose replacement analysis and strategy

Solar Steam Generator and TES heat exchangers malfunctions due to transients or
decreased efficiency issues at design conditions

14. Application to CSP
TES tanks:

Tank checkings under API codes

Foundation thermal design

Foundation mechanical design and geotechnical analysis
Low-medium temperature process heat and solar cooling
applications

15. Sector: Renewable Energy-Solar
1.Fluid-thermal layout, mechanical design of CSP tower receivers:

HTF's (air, steam, SCO2, molten salts), high pressure and Temperature (>1000
◦
C)

Topologies: closed, open, volumetric, tubular

Stationary structural trustworthiness: Ultimate and Serviceability limit states

Transient-based design (plants start-ups, shut-downs, clouds):

thermal shock

creep and relaxation

thermal fatigue and TMF

viscoelasticity
2.Fluid-thermal design of semi-closed cavities for receivers

Minimize loss: radiation and convection to ambient

Insulation design: minimize conduction loss
3.Mechanical design of high-temperature components (up to 1600
◦
C)

Special materials: ceramics, metallic alloys (Inconel, Incoloy), etc.

Flanged connection (Patent): extreme operating conditions (not-normalized in design
codes), gasket detailed FEM modeling, different nature/materials pipes

16. CSP: Cavity coupled thermal-uid design

17. CSP: Cavity uid convection loss

18. CSP: Irradiated Pipes thermal behavior
Thermal-Mechanical
Thermal-Fluid

19. CSP: Molten Salts storage tanks: thermal analysis
FEM mesh
Thermal behavior

20. CSP: Molten Salts tanks: mechanical analysis

21. CSP: Finite Differences Software package for
thermal analysis of Molten Salts storage tanks-2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2
x 10
4
-14000
-12000
-10000
-8000
-6000
-4000
-2000
0
2000
r-coordinate (mm)
z-coordinate (mm) X: -3500
Y: -1.8e+04
Z: 30.77
X: 1.22e+04
Y: -3400
Z: 33.07
X: 1900
Y: -7400
Z: 40.05
X: -2.14e+04
Y: -2.8e+04
Z: 27.09
X: 500
Y: -2400
Z: 361.2
X: 600
Y: 0
Z: 535
X: -6400
Y: 800
Z: 435.8
X: -6700
Y: 600
Z: 46.78
X: -9000
Y: -250
Z: 32.78
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500 5400 5600 5800 6000 6200 6400 6600 6800 7000 7200
-600
-400
-200
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200


X= 6000
Y= -400
Level= 430.7034
X= 6500
Y= 0
Level= 396.0315
X= 6000
Y= 0
Level= 535
X= 6500
Y= 400
Level= 334.7172
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500

22. CSP: Solar Shield, tower support structure
Euro and Israel Code checks
Final Client: Alstom, Client:
Promat HPI

23. Sector: Vertical Transport
1.Dynamics and vibration simulation. vmElevator 2.4:

First dedicated commercial code package for elevator dynamics

Optimization: energy, eco-designs

Flexible: Client-specic adaptations

Provides: cabin dynamics, vibration, variety of loading, energy
requirements, inverter simulation, etc.
2.Ad-hocanalysis/measurement hardware

Measurement of elevator comfort (ISO18738): vmRideAnalyzer 1.0

Distributed acquisition network for elevator global dynamics
measurement. Used for computational models Validation and
Identication
3.Simulation/measurements-based analysis and consultancy

Modelization of virtual prototypes. Simulation-based design.

Vibration and noise analysis

Forensic engineering (RCA)

24. Sector: Railway Transport
Dynamic simulation of vehicles
1.Methodology:

Mathematical representation of vehicle and
track

Virtual model of vehicle/track coupled
dynamics

Computational simulation
2.Applications:

Vehicle design

Stability, critical velocity

Curved track dynamics

Wheel prole wear

Derailment/security

Passengers comfort

Active control systems tuning

Control over vibrations to environment

Forensic engineering/accidents
Vehicle and track maintenance
1.Methodology:

Real-time simulation

Ins: Sensors data

Outs: non-measurable quantities
(track-wheel contact), state of vehicle
2.Applications:

Evaluate comfort and security

Measurement of geometric quality of track

Vehicle maintenance: wheel wear,
suspension, wheel-rail adhesion

Active control systems

On-line simulation-based information for
driver/company

25. Railway: Mechatronic applications
Real time simulation of
railroad-vehicle dynamics
Simplied test case (track monitoring)
1.Inputs:

Sensors: IMU

Mathematical model
2.Outputs:

Track geometry monitoring

Wheel-rail contact forces (security)

Accelerations on Passengers (comfort)

26. Clients

Hidral

MacPuarsa-MP

Construcciones Sando

ThyssenKrupp

Albatros

Wittur

AICIA

Kone Cranes

Orona

27. Clients Solar

Albatros

AICIA

Promat HPI

AtriaPower/Ferrostaal

Beroa-Dominion

Schott Solar

Rioglass

28. Virtualmech in Consortium
CERSOL (High temperature and pressure Ceramic receiver for
Solar-hybrid gas turbine and combined-cycle systems)
Innterconnecta-CDTI-FP7

Abengoa Solar NT

Promat

Teams

CSIC/US

200 hours operation Summer 2015, target air temperature 1100C
SIMUVIA (Simulacion embarcada para auscultacion de vas mediante
la observacion de estado de vehculos ferroviarios) CTA-IDEA

Construcciones SANDO

Nadir

Conacon

29. Virtualmech: Research projects
Desarrollo de un software embarcado para la evaluacion en tiempo real de la seguridad
de la marcha de vehculos ferroviarios. (07/2015{12/2017)

Programa: Accion Estrategica de Economa y Sociedad Digital- Impulso
Tecnologico-2015

Ministerio de Industria, Energa y Turismo. Secretara de Estado de
Telecomunicaciones y para la Sociedad de la Informacion
Applied research activities:

PhD. Thesis: Herramientas de simulacion computacional para procesos
termo-uido-dinamicos aplicados a la Industria Solar de Concentracion.
Generacion Directa de Vapor

Awarded Industrial PhD. by Spanish Government, 2016 Spanish Science Program.

Fund raising for project: Reduccion de costes en tecnologa Solar de
Concentracion. Receptores de torre y lineales. Aplicacion a sistemas de media
temperatura y generacion de Energa Termica

SolarPaces2016: Paper on convection/radiation losses on closed cavities for solar
tower receivers

30. Virtualmech: CSP recent activity
Agreements, conversations and detailed quotations:

Cobra: ball-joints

Magtel/OHL: Fresnel receiver thermal performance and controllability simulations

ACWA: SSG, molten salts piping transport

CENER/TSK Flagsol: central receiver research project

CSPValue: commercial agreement

Schott Solar: receiver tubes coupled uid-thermal-mechanical analysis

TSK: TES tanks foundations analysis and design

TSK Flagsol: High temperature outlet piping for R&D tower project (CAPTure-EU)

SENER: TES tanks and foundations analysis and design: steady-state and transient operation
International Forums:

CSPToday 2014-2015-2016

CSP Focus China 2016

SolarPaces 2016