Create Intelligent Models

FloVENT features the most complete and technically advanced model creation environment for airflow modeling design. Models that range in scale from diffusers, heat exchangers, grilles, CRAC units and enclosures are assembled quickly from a complete set of SmartParts (intelligent model creation macros) that are supplied with FloVENT. SmartParts capture modeling expertise that has been developed within Mentor Graphics over the past 20 years to streamline model creation, minimize solve times and maximize solution accuracy.

Tight integration with CAD

FloVENT also features the industry’s best solution for integration with CAD software. Native data from Pro/ENGINEER, Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks and other CAD Software, as well as the DXF file format can be imported into FloVENT. Unlike other CAD to analysis interoperability solutions, FloVENT automatically prepares the geometry for efficient and accurate analysis.

Use of a robust structured Cartesian mesher minimizes solution time

FloVENT grid is structured-Cartesian - the most stable and numerically efficient type of grid available. The ability to localize is also included for finer resolution where it is needed, minimizing solution time and avoiding the penalty of grid cells that “bleed”.

Automatic Optimization

SmartPart-based modeling and structured-cartesian grid enable Design of Experiments technology to be applied to a FloVENT model. Design of Experiments is a structured method for determining the relationship between design parameters (e.g., diffuser flow rate, location of vents, etc) and results (comfort indices, contaminant removal efficiency, etc).

FloVENT’s Design of Experiments implementation efficiently explores the design space by building and solving variants of the initial model. This provides critical information regarding the sensitivity of the airflow results to changes in the design parameters while minimizing the number of simulations to be solved and serves as the foundation of the powerful response surface and sequential optimization design tools.

Finely-tuned Solver

For over 20 years, the FloVENT solver has specifically addressed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. The solver, based on a Cartesian gridding system, delivers the most accurate results possible and the fastest solution time per grid cell. Massive disparity in geometric length scales are resolved using the unique ‘localized-grid’ technique which allows for integrally matched, nested, non-conformal grid interfaces between different parts of the solution domain.

The conjugate nature of heat transfer is concurrently solved using a preconditioned conjugate residual solver together with a flexible cycle multi-grid solution technique. Pragmatic, unique and accurate solution termination criteria produce useful results in engineering, not academic, time scales.

Powerful Visualization Tools

The FloVENT visualization toolset is developed specifically to maximize productivity of engineers. Fully rendered models, 3D flow animation and tools for dynamic manipulation of temperature and flow results, enable engineers to pinpoint thermal and ventilation issues and visualize design improvements quickly and effectively. Texture mapping and video output enables powerful communication of design concepts with non-technical colleagues and customers.