CFD Capabilities for HVAC, Fire & Airborne Pollutant Analyses

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has established itself as a go-to technology for the investigation and design optimisation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Combined with the capability to simulate dynamic scenarios such as fire, mitigation methods such as suppressant sprays and the dispersion of smoke, heat, dust and other airborne contaminants the technology has never been better suited to tackle the simulation challenges in this area.

Whether it’s thermal comfort, ventilation design, fire, contaminant dispersion or thermal management, this presentation will provide a concise overview of how Ansys CFD solutions can benefit your design and investigation challenges.

Speaker's name: Dr Renaldo Nicholls

Speaker's biography:

Dr. Renaldo Nicholls – Application Engineer – Sheffield

With his passion for simulation technology, Renaldo blends deep technical expertise with hands-on industry experience to deliver impactful engineering solutions. One of our Fluids experts, he provides consultancy, training, and customised simulation workflows that accelerate customer competence. His ability to connect theory with practical engineering comes from a career closely coupled with research, and advanced CFD development.

Renaldo earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering focusing on lithium-ion battery thermal management using multi-level CFD simulations with phase change materials. His research aimed to improve performance, safety, and lifespan for EVs and HEVs.

He also holds an MSc in Aeronautical Engineering, where his thesis explored CFD analysis of the Kutta condition on aerofoils, and a BASc in Mechanical Engineering, completing a final-year project designing and building an autonomous reconnaissance robot for hazardous environments.

At EDRMedeso, Renaldo applies his deep rooted knowledge to many scenarios such as battery thermal management, heat transfer, and multiphase flow, delivering advanced CFD solutions across a multitude of industries. His role centres around working with colleagues to deliver services which accelerate and build customer competence, including method development, automation, software customization, training and research.

Some of the highlights of Renaldo’s diverse project portfolio include multiphase and discrete phase modelling for drilling operations, buoyancy-driven thermal analysis for underwater piping, electrolysis modelling, combustion design, porous media flow modelling, and CFD aerodynamic analysis for Olympic athletes.

Outside of work, Renaldo enjoys hiking, nature walks, gaming, and football, as well as cycling and weight training. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he has a lifelong love of water and often seeks out beaches and waterfalls.

Looking ahead, Renaldo sees simulation as a rapidly expanding field, with the potential to transform how we design, manufacture, and interact with technology.

“The pace and challenge of working with cutting-edge technology is what makes it so rewarding for me. I love balancing hands-on engineering experience with the possibilities unlocked by simulation, and I’m equally privileged to share that expertise in the training sessions I run for the engineering community.”

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