Simulation is always the first step in developing VTM systems. If its basic layout is finished and first measurements are available, it’s time to compare the results of the simulation with the measured data.

With this release we are offering the possibility to import data from Microsoft Excel sheets to KULI lab. A wizard helps you to import just the data you really want in a quick and comfortable way. You can find a short demonstration of the workflow in the E-Learning area on the KULI website (registration is required). Imported data can be used in tables and graphics in the same way as any other data in KULI lab such that simulated and measured data can be compared easily.

More information can be found in the online help.​​​​​​​

The trend towards more efficient electric vehicles leads currently to a higher number of VTM systems and more connections between them. Waste heat is transported from powertrain and battery to heat pump systems; electric heaters are cleverly integrated to heat up battery or cabin on demand and also topics like thermal storage gain importance. All of these trends rely on the capability to efficiently transfer heat from one coolant loop to another which is the reason why an increasing number of plate heat exchangers is installed into modern cars.

While KULI features a plate heat exchanger (PHE) component for more than 10 years now, current technology trends have motivated us to revise both methodologies and the user interface for this type of heat exchanger. Improvements we have integrated into KULI 14 lead to

• faster and more stable simulations (especially important in large systems) and
• better accuracy of our models, especially the pressure loss calculation, in scenarios where test data is extrapolated.

Additionally, upon request from leading component manufacturers, we offer now the possibility to model “inner” and “outer” medium sides of the heat exchanger with different channel heights leading to even more potential for optimizing components to customer specifications and requirements.

Additionally to the well-known possibilities of coupling KULI with other software tools like Matlab/Simulink (with the KULI Simulink Toolbox – download from our website), CFD Tools (see tutorial example) and Excel (refer to the online library examples) we have added a new possibility supporting the FMI Standard. Please find more information in our last KULI Newsletter 09/2020.