The Applied Thermofluid Process Modelling Research Unit (ATProM) specialises in modelling thermofluid-mechanical components and systems to evaluate novel technologies, improve the efficiency and control of processes, and detect anomalies for condition monitoring purposes.
Recent Activity
Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer (FFHMT 2025) - Imperial College London Conference Center, London, United Kingdom
Pierre Bosch and Zaina Abrahams represented the ATProM Research Unit at the 12th International Conference of Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer (FFHMT 2025), held from 15-17 July at the Imperial College London Conference Center. The conference brought together international researchers to share developments in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and energy systems. Pierre, a recent MSc graduate and newly appointed Scientific Officer for ATProM, presented his research on calibrating a thermo-fluid model of a hybrid biomass boiler using low-fidelity plant data. Zaina, an MSc candidate, presented her work on flue gas latent heat recovery using a condensing heat exchanger in a biomass-fired boiler. In addition to the technical sessions and poster presentations, the gala dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel served as a pleasant backdrop for connecting with researchers beyond the technical programme.
sCO2 Europe 2025 - Delft, The Netherlands
Mr. Colin du Sart and Prof. Pieter Rousseau attended the 6th European Conference on Supercritical CO2 for Energy Systems, held from 9-11 April 2025 in Delft, the Netherlands. This international event brought together researchers and industry experts to discuss advances in the application of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) in power cycles, energy conversion, and heat exchange technologies. A paper titled "Thermofluid design and off design performance of an air-cooled heat exchanger system for a 50 MWe sCO2 CSP Plant", was presented by Colin du Sart, showcasing a Python-based model of an innovative cooling configuration intended for CSP integration in arid regions. Beyond the technical sessions, attendees enjoyed a gala dinner at the historic Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th-century church in central Delft, providing a unique opportunity to connect with fellow researchers in a remarkable setting.
Upington Solar Plant Excursion
The Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Photovoltaic (PV) plants in Upington are key components of South Africa’s renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to clean electricity generation under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). The CSP plants utilise parabolic trough and central receiver (tower) technologies, where mirrors focus sunlight onto a heat transfer fluid to generate steam for turbines, often with thermal energy storage for electricity production after sunset. In contrast, the PV plants use solar panels to directly convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, offering a simpler and more scalable solution with no moving parts. Together, these technologies enhance energy security in South Africa, leveraging solar-rich conditions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Recent SAIMechE Postgraduate Conference
The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE) Postgraduate Conference was a collaborative event organised by the Mechanical Engineering departments of Stellenbosch University, the University of Cape Town, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Held at Stellenbosch, the conference provided a platform for postgraduate students to present their research, fostering academic exchange and networking amongst emerging mechanical engineering professionals. The event underscored the commitment of these institutions to advancing engineering education and research in South Africa.
