Pourya Forooghi’s research is centered on understanding and modeling complex flow phenomena in energy systems, with a particular focus on multiphase flows and transport processes. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and high-fidelity simulations, he investigates how physical interactions at small scales influence the performance and scalability of engineering systems.

Within CORC, he plays a central role in the project “MES-MODEL 2.0”, where he contributes to advancing computational models for microbial electrosynthesis. The project aims to extend existing models by incorporating both microbial CO₂ utilization kinetics and the formation of hydrogen gas bubbles on electrode surfaces-two key factors that currently limit the scalability of these systems.

A major focus of his contribution is the modeling of bubble formation and multiphase flow behavior in electrochemical systems. As production rates increase, hydrogen bubbles form at electrode surfaces and can significantly impact efficiency by disrupting microbial activity and mass transfer. Understanding and predicting these effects is essential for moving from lab-scale systems to industrial applications.

To address this, Forooghi works on developing detailed CFD models that capture the interaction between fluid flow, gas bubbles, and microbial processes across different scales. These models are integrated into a larger multiscale framework, enabling more accurate simulations of realistic reactor conditions and providing guidelines for improved reactor design and operation.

He collaborates closely with Jo Philips (PI), Jacopo Catalano (PI), and Michael Kofoed (PI) in this effort, combining expertise in microbiology, electrochemistry, transport phenomena, and modeling to develop a unified computational platform for CO₂ conversion technologies.