Institute of Thermal and Fluid Engineering

We are committed to a sustainable, energy-efficient and innovative industrial future. With our expertise in thermal and fluid engineering, we support companies in the analysis and optimisation of fluid mechanical and thermal processes, measurement methods, and prototype development.

The FHNW Institute of Thermal and Fluid Engineering is a competent and innovative team with extensive industrial and management experience, working together in education and research. The declared aim of our institute is to utilise and create synergies through joint expertise with our partners.

Together with our research partners, we systematically analyse the challenges, plan the approach and develop effective solutions. Our approach is based on our simulation expertise in multiphysics and our experimental experience with test benches, flow and temperature measurement technologies as well as data acquisition and evaluation.

Our team consists of six professors and numerous research assistants with many years of industry and project experience, who work together as a competent, motivated and innovative team in teaching and research. We collaborate with companies on applied research and development projects and facilitate collaboration on student projects.

Experiment and simulation for innovation

We offer project experience and expertise in thermal systems engineering, flow and combustion processes as well as multiphysics modelling.
We develop customized simulation methods and experimental procedures for complex industrial problems and provide support in the development of test benches, measurement technology, interpretation of results and conversion into concrete suggestions for improvement.

Are you interested in a joint project in the field of thermal and fluid engineering?
We look forward to hearing from you. Find more information about working with us here.

Competencies

Fluid engineering

Experimental and computational analysis and assessment of complex flows and processes involving liquids and gases.

Thermal engineering

Experimental and computational analysis of heat transport, storage, thermodynamic processes and combustion.

Thermal machines and combustion research

Investigating and analysing compressors, engine and combustion processes in connection with process-improving measures and alternative renewable fuels.

Simulation methods

Virtual prototype development through multiphysics, coupled simulations in the fields of flow modelling (CFD), heat transfer, thermomechanics (FEM), acoustics, electric fields, particles, etc. to reduce the required measurement technology and process development time.

Measurement technologies

Application of various active and passive optical measurement methods through to laser spectroscopic measurement methods for analysing sprays, flows and combustion diagnostics.