Abstract
Daikin Research & Development Malaysia sought to improve HVAC system efficiency, shorten development lead times, and reduce costly physical testing. The R&D center used Siemens’ Simcenter Amesim and Simcenter STAR-CCM+ solutions to enhance transient system simulation, optimize cooling performance, and improve airflow and energy efficiency. Simcenter Amesim enabled Daikin to fine-tune compressor startup frequency, electronic expansion valve settings, and other control parameters while virtually evaluating system behavior before physical trials. This simulation-driven approach helped Daikin simulate cooling speeds 40 percent faster, reduce performance testing lead times by 6 percent, deliver accurate and reliable results faster, and reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating physical testing.
Key Takeaways:
- Faster cooling simulations: Simcenter Amesim enabled Daikin to simulate cooling speeds 40 percent faster, helping engineers evaluate and optimize HVAC performance more efficiently.
- Reduced development lead times: Virtual testing and parameter optimization reduced performance testing lead times by 6 percent and streamlined the overall design process.
- Reduced physical testing: Simulation allowed Daikin to evaluate HVAC performance virtually before physical trials, reducing the need for costly testing iterations.
- Improved transient simulation: Simcenter Amesim provided more precise modeling of dynamic system behavior, helping engineers predict liquid and system behavior during transient states.
- Optimized cooling parameters: Daikin used Simcenter Amesim to fine-tune compressor startup frequency, electronic expansion valve opening, and startup control parameters.
- Improved cooling performance: Simulation showed how increasing compressor startup frequency and EXV opening could increase cooling capacity and reduce air-leaving temperature.
- Enhanced CFD analysis: Simcenter STAR-CCM+ enabled Daikin to perform CFD simulations to optimize airflow and energy efficiency across HVAC products.
- Faster and reliable results: The simulation-driven approach helped engineering teams identify potential issues early, optimize performance, and obtain accurate and reliable results faster.
- Improved sustainability: Eliminating physical testing helped reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while improving development efficiency.
- Expanded Simcenter integration: Daikin plans to expand Simcenter Amesim use and integrate it with CFD tools to further shorten testing lead times and optimize system performance.
