Energy analysis of autoclave CFRP manufacturing using thermodynamics based models

Ogugua, C.J.; Anton, S.V.; Tripathi, A.P.; Larrabeiti, Miguel Dominguez; van Hees, S.O.; Sinke, J.; Dransfeld, C.A.

doi:10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107365

Energy analysis of autoclave CFRP manufacturing using thermodynamics based models

Title

Energy analysis of autoclave CFRP manufacturing using thermodynamics based models

Author

Ogugua, C.J. (TU Delft Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies)
Anton, S.V. (TU Delft Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies)
Tripathi, A.P. (TU Delft Education AE)
Larrabeiti, Miguel Dominguez
van Hees, S.O. (TU Delft Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies)
Sinke, J. (TU Delft Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies)
Dransfeld, C.A. (TU Delft Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies)

Date

2023

Abstract

Autoclave curing is one of the most energy consuming processes in manufacturing carbon fibre reinforced polymers. In order to improve the energy efficiency, one needs to understand energy usage in an autoclave and factors that influence it. This work presents two thermodynamic based models for estimating energy consumption in an autoclave. The first model is an analytical approach based on simplified heat capacity equation. The second model combines the Multi-Relaxation-Time Lattice Boltzmann method (MRT LBM) with Fourier heat equation to simulate autoclave temperature flow and energy consumption. The output from the two models were compared to energy consumption data collected using a power meter. The estimated values from the MRT LBM method showed a better match with only 1% difference from the experimental value. Since the two models are parametric and scalable, a what-if analysis was carried out to investigate the influence of varying process parameters on autoclave energy consumption. Parameters including cure cycle, autoclave size and loading capacity.

Subject

Autoclave curing
Composites manufacturing
Energy consumption
Energy efficiency
Lattice Boltzmann

To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:354975ba-8c87-405a-a61a-5cb31d3b2399

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107365

ISSN

1359-835X

Source

Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 166

Part of collection

Institutional Repository