Ansys Fluent can model problems involving the electric potential field by solving the electric potential equation, which can be solved in both fluid and solid zones. The electric potential solver can be used alone or in conjunction with other Ansys Fluent models. One example where the electric potential model could be coupled with other Ansys Fluent models is a discrete phase simulation of an electrostatic precipitator. To compute the electrostatic force of the charged particles, the electric potential equation must be solved.

The electric potential solver is automatically used with the built-in electrochemical reaction model allowing for the simulation of chemical and electrochemical reactions. For details on how the electrochemical reaction model is implemented in Ansys Fluent, refer to Electrochemical Reactions. The electric potential solver is also used in the electrochemistry models (lithium-ion battery and electrolysis and H2 pump models).

If you want to use the electric potential solver together with other Ansys Fluent CFD solvers, you need to manually enable the potential equation as described in Setting Up the Electric Potential Model in the Fluent User's Guide.

The electric potential modeling capabilities allow Ansys Fluent to simulate a wide variety of phenomena associated with electric potential fields, such as electro-plating, corrosion, flow battery, and others. The physical equation used in this model is described in Electric Potential Equation. Instructions for setting up and solving an electric potential field problem can be found in Setting Up the Electric Potential Model in the Fluent User's Guide. Details about using the electric potential solver within the electrochemical reaction model are provided in Electrochemical Reactions in the Fluent User's Guide.