Biography of Nedjib Djilali, Professor and Director of the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems |
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Research Interests
Fluid flow, heat and mass transport processes are central to a variety of engineering systems and devices. Ned Djilali's research focuses on the modeling, numerical simulation and experimental investigation of a variety of problems in the areas of fluid dynamics and transport phenomena. His research has found applications in aircraft aerodynamics, gas turbine technology, and crystal growth of semi-conductors. Recent and continuing projects include: Fuel Cell Technology Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of reaction of a fuel (usually hydrogen) and an oxidant (usually oxygen) into electricity. These devices offer the prospect of zero-emission automobiles, as well as stationary and portable power generation. The operation of fuel cells involves complex fluid flow, heat and mass transfer processes. Comprehensive models are being developed to provide fundamental understanding of these processes, and essential information for the design and optimization of fuel cells. This is complemented with the development of measurement and testing techniques, and the design and prototyping of novel fuel cell architectures. This work is performed within the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic) and is part of a collaborative project with Dr. Ged McLean. Processing of Industrial Streams and Waste Waters A novel centrifugal membrane process for the purification of waste and/or process water is currently under investigation. Centrifugal Membrane and Density Separation (CMDS) can significantly improve the efficiency of processing plants, and reduce membrane fouling. A multi-disciplinary group, including Drs. Tom Fyles and Geoff Vickers, is performing research combining experimental and computational modelling of CMDS to further understanding of the processes and to develop optimized membrane configurations that reduce concentration polarization and fouling. Unsteady and Turbulent Separated Flows Examples of these flows occur in: building aerodynamics, heat exchangers, gas turbines and cooling of electronic components. The simulation and prediction of such flows is currently investigated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The CFD work focuses on the development of : i) turbulence models suitable for industrial applications; ii) large-eddy simulations (LES) providing fundamental understanding of complex turbulent processes; and iii) investigation of the effect of unsteady upstream conditions on the structure of the flow and on heat transfer. This work is complemented with an experimental program using laser-based measurement techniques in a water channel facility. Professor Djilali is currently President of the CFD Society of Canada and has served on committees of the Science Council of BC. He has been twice the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award of the Engineering Institute of Canada (Vancouver Island Branch), and has been awarded the Ludwig Mond Prize by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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