This paper presents the Modelica Thermal Model Generation Tool. The aim of this tool is to enable the user to set up a geometrically correct thermal model for complex geometries that allows predicting the impact of heated/heating devices and their location both in terms of airflow pattern and radiation distribution. Using a geometry file exported from CAD software, the tool distributes wall facets, air nodes and computes the long-wave radiant view factor matrix for obstructed and unobstructed surfaces. This information is exported as ready to use Modelica code. The zonal model VEPZO is used to model airflow within a domain (enclosed space). This model allows predicting airflow and air temperature distribution in space on a coarse mesh and thus computes faster than classical CFD computations. Walls are subdivided on the same grid as the zonal model is set upon. For each wall facet, the Modelica Thermal Model Generation Tool computes the view factors to the other facets in the domain. Comparison of simulated results with test data and application of the Modelica Thermal Model Generation Tool for a room with radiant heating and for the cooling of an aircraft cockpit are presented in this paper.

One of the objectives of the CleanSky-2 project is to develop an Environmentally Friendly Fire Protection (EFFP) system to substitute halon for the aircraft cargo hold. For this, an aircraft demonstrator including the cargo hold was equipped with a nitrogen-based fire suppression system. The demonstrator is located in the Flight Test Facility (FTF) low-pressure vessel and can thus be subjected to realistic cruise pressure conditions and take-off and descent pressure profiles. As a design tool, a zonally refined simulation model to predict the local oxygen and nitrogen concentration distribution in the cargo hold has been developed using the Indoor Environment Simulation Suite (IESS). The model allows for fast transient simulations of the suppression system operation. This paper presents a model validation case of knockdown during cruising, followed by a holding phase and descent.

This paper presents the newly developed Indoor Climate Library. The library facilitates simulation of the coupled heat and moisture transfer through envelopes and the interaction of envelopes with the interior air. The computation of coupled heat and moisture transfer becomes more and more important for the development of electric vehicles. Due to the lack of waste heat from the combustion engine the heating of a vehicle cabin during winter time becomes a challenge. One way to reduce heat losses through the envelope is to add insulation. However, insulation bears the risk of water accumulation and its performance usually decreases with increased water content. The Indoor Climate Library helps the user to detect such problems early in the product development process and to find remedies.

Thermal interface material is one of the many tools often used as part of the thermal control scheme for space-based applications. An experimental investigation was conducted to better understand the effect of graphite based thermal interface material under vacuum condition. The heat transfer ability of different interface materials was evaluated. Theoretical and experimental studies have yielded valuable data which provide an insight into the complexity of the problem and a better understanding for future development.

This paper presents a model to estimate the solar radiation under clear sky conditions over stationary, moving as well as flying objects. For the latter it is important to predict the peak solar irradiance under clear sky condition to calculate maximum possible solar thermal loading. In this paper results of irradiation over surface on ground and over aircraft windows and windshields at cruise altitude are presented. Another model implemented, calculates the view factor between two or more surfaces. Determination of the long-wave radiant heat exchange between two or more surfaces or heat exchange with a surface itself requires a view factor matrix. There are several analytical solutions available to calculate view factors for simple and known configurations. Many building simulation programs estimate the view factors in a simplified way, especially when complex geometries are involved. The simplified approach may result in high errors of surface temperatures, which can further cause error in energy balance and estimation of comfort level. The purpose of creating this model is to calculate view factors between complex geometries. The view factor matrices of an enclosed space and of a geometry with openings on its surfaces are presented in this paper. A sensitivity analysis of a view factor matrix is also presented.