ToffeeAM (rebranded as ToffeeX) is excited to announce that we have been awarded an Innovate UK grant for our new project, which aims to revolutionize the design of cold plate heat exchangers.
The project, titled “Multiscale Optimization Framework for the Next Generation of Heat Exchangers (MOfAC),” seeks to transform the efficiency and performance of cold plate systems. By developing novel designs, we aim to unlock superior thermal efficiency and significantly reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.
This ambitious 14-month project, beginning this month (September 2023), is a collaboration between ToffeeX, Imperial College London, the University of Wolverhampton, and the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP). Our approach will leverage multi-scale methods, promising unprecedented performance improvements and a simplified design process for engineers.
A New Era for Cold Plate Designs
The global market for heat exchangers is projected to reach $26.26 billion by 2030, and we are poised to tap into this growth by developing an alternative design framework for cold plates. Our innovative multiscale methods, developed by researchers at Imperial College London’s Department of Aeronautics, are set to produce designs with superior heat transfer capabilities that require less energy for operation compared to traditional systems.
Furthermore, this project is not just about high performance; it’s about creating heat exchangers that help reduce CO2 emissions and minimize computational and experimental waste.
ToffeeX’s Journey with Additive Manufacturing
Since our founding in 2019 by Francesco Montomoli, Marco Pietropaoli, and Audrey Gaymann, ToffeeX has been at the forefront of generative design software for engineering applications. Our goal is to empower engineers to achieve more in less time.
Following our recognition as one of the 2020 Formnext start-up challenge winners and a successful $1 million seed funding round led by IQ Capital, ToffeeX has grown rapidly. This funding enabled us to expand our engineering capabilities and develop our customer base.
Our software optimizes the topology of 3D-printed components and entire systems, enhancing performance and resilience. It uses advanced algorithms and optimization techniques to automate the design process, allowing users to generate optimal designs in a fraction of the traditional time.
We have demonstrated that our software can create robust parts up to 20 times faster and 40% more efficiently than conventional 3D printing methods. Our technology has been applied in industrial production to create coolant systems for gas turbines outperforming existing heat exchangers.
The Future of 3D Printed Heat Exchangers
The use of additive manufacturing to produce heat exchangers is a growing trend. With this new project funded by Innovate UK, ToffeeAM is set to lead the next generation of heat exchanger design, enhancing the capabilities of cold plates and paving the way for more efficient, sustainable thermal management solutions.
About Imperial College London
Imperial College London is one of the world’s leading public research universities in the heart of London. Renowned for its engineering, science, and medicine faculties, Imperial is dedicated to creating real-world applications from its cutting-edge research. Its collaborations with industries and innovative teaching methodologies aim to provide its global student body with deep technical knowledge and practical experiences.
About the University of Wolverhampton
The University of Wolverhampton’s AM experience and history spans over two decades. The University was the first UK institution to install a laser-based AM machine circa 1999, and since then has been at the forefront of metal AM development. Recently, the University’s additive manufacturing of functional materials (AMFM) research group and spin-out Additive Analytics has capitalized on this experience and knowhow developing proprietary data-driven laser powder bed fusion parameters enabling 3D printable anti-Covid materials, high purity copper and silver and winning the 2022 Emerald Literati Award.
About the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP)
The National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) is a UK-based initiative aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the aerospace sector. By supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in developing technologically advanced products for the aerospace industry, NATEP helps maintain and grow the UK’s position as a leader in aerospace technology on the global stage, ensuring that the sector remains competitive and sustainable.
For more information, please see this article in 3D Printing Industry Magazine: