Institute of Thermal and Fluid Engineering

School of Engineering and Environment

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.

Research focus areas

Selected projects

Advanced optical diagnostics for combustion development at large two-stroke engines

The Combustion Analysis Tool (CAT) project is dedicated to the development of an innovative optical diagnostic method.

Compressed air energy storage

Development of a compressed air energy storage system that not only stores energy but also provides heating and cooling for buildings. The main objective was to develop a bidirectional machine that functions as both a compressor and an expander.

Casting simulation and experimental validation of active air cooling of cast parts

Large cast parts for gas or steam turbines or engines need days or even weeks to solidify and cool down.

Vortex throughflow measurement in steam

Two FHNW institutes developed a new measuring method for an innovative product manufactured by Endress+Hauser.

Investigation of the piston running properties of large 2-stroke marine diesel engines and analysis of future lubricant concepts

An innovative ultrasonic reflectometry process is used to measure the oil film thickness and optimize lubrication strategies to minimize oil consumption.

Temperature and layer wear measurement for turbine blades

New methods for the in-situ measurement of surface temperature and coating wear in a test rig for rotating turbine blades.

SAPE – a modular printing system

The modular printing system SAPE raises the benchmark in terms of printing speed and quality.

Optimisation of sonic toothbrushes to reduce oral biofilm through shear forces (STOP Biofilm)

The effect of a sonic toothbrush on the cleaning of interdental spaces was investigated and the shear stress during cleaning in the tooth gap was optimized.

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?

We look forward to hearing from you. Find more information about working with us here.

Making research and development projects a reality

Together, we can transfer our research expertise into industry and support your company in addressing complex challenges in the field of Thermal and Fluid Engineering.

Laboratories

Wind Tunnels

The three wind tunnels at the FHNW offer you various options for investigating the aerodynamic properties of different measurement objects and visualising flow phenomena - from vehicles to PV modules.

Water Laboratory

In the FHNW Water Laboratory, we support you with analyses using water or sprays to determine flow, pressure or velocity distributions as well as droplet sizes, distributions and velocities.

Virtual Lab

Studies in the virtual laboratory enable you to predict and optimise planned experiments in a targeted manner - and thus save time and money. Validated experimental models in the virtual laboratory provide temporally and spatially detailed data and help with the further development of measurement technology and components.