R&D and Innovation
Continuous innovation is central to how ARES PHE maintains its competitive edge. Our dedicated R&D team pushes the boundaries of plate heat exchanger technology, developing new plate geometries, optimising thermal-hydraulic performance, and expanding into new application territories.
Engineering Pillars
Plate Geometry R&D
CNC tool manufacturing for new plate designs. Optimised chevron corrugation patterns for specific thermal duties. Close-approach geometries for maximum heat recovery. Free flow designs for fibrous and viscous media.
Computational Engineering
Full in-house CAD/CAM engineering capability. CFD analysis for thermal-hydraulic optimisation. Structural FEA for pressure vessel design. Simulation-driven development reduces prototype cycles and accelerates time to market.
Performance Testing
In-house Heat Transfer Performance Test Laboratory designed to international LLHE standards. Experimental verification that engineering calculations translate into real-world performance. Every new plate design is validated before production release.
In-House Performance Test Laboratory
ARES PHE operates an in-house Heat Transfer Performance Test Laboratory designed in accordance with AHRI LLHE (Liquid-to-Liquid Heat Exchanger) standards. Every new plate geometry is tested under controlled flow and temperature conditions before production release, confirming that CFD predictions translate into measured thermal and hydraulic performance.
Test data continuously calibrates our selection software, so the performance quoted at proposal stage closely matches the performance delivered on site. Participation in yearly AHRI audits and random production unit testing keeps that link verified over time, independently of our own laboratory.
From Concept to Production Under One Roof
Vertical integration makes our R&D cycle unusually fast. A new plate geometry moves from CFD model to CNC-machined pressing tool to physical prototype without leaving the facility: simulation, tooling, pressing, and laboratory validation all happen in-house.
This eliminates dependence on external toolmakers and lets us iterate designs in weeks. It is also why custom plate development for a specific duty is a realistic engineering option with ARES PHE rather than a special project.
Current Innovation Focus
Close-Approach Geometries
Developing plate patterns that achieve <1°C LMTD approach temperatures for district energy, free cooling, and data centre applications where every degree of temperature recovery directly impacts energy consumption and operating costs.
New Materials & Coatings
Research into advanced surface treatments and anti-fouling coatings that extend cleaning intervals and improve performance in aggressive media. Testing new alloy compatibilities for emerging applications.
Data Centre Thermal Solutions
Purpose-engineered plate geometries for CDU circuits, immersion cooling compatibility, and waterside economiser applications. Optimised for the thermal precision that AI-grade data centre infrastructure demands.
University Partnerships
All R&D programmes are carried out in collaboration with leading local universities and industry partners, combining the latest academic research with practical manufacturing experience.
Engineering Innovation, Delivered
Have a challenging application? Our R&D team can develop custom plate geometries and thermal solutions for your specific requirements.