Thermofluids research is essential for the advancement of future-forward energy technology and mechanical systems from HVACs to data centers. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) carries out targeted thermofluids engineering, research and development to advance scientific understanding of thermofluids and evaluates and develops novel processes for scalable energy solutions.
Applied R&D for Industrial Thermal Management
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SwRI's heat exchanger test loop provides data on high-heat transfer rates involving high-temperatures and flowrates
SwRI offers deep expertise in thermofluids, the foundational science of thermal management. We apply knowledge in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer to industry-scale technologies that govern the temperature, pressure and flow of liquids, gases and other fluids. Our thermofluids engineering and research support these industries:
- Oil & Gas
- Automotive
- Power & Utilities
- Heavy Industry
- Manufacturing
Data Center Thermal Management
SwRI provides advanced data center thermal management R&D and testing services to address the growing challenges associated with cooling data center IT equipment. With state-of-the-art facilities, including the medium- and large-scale heat exchanger test facilities that are presently configured to provide up to 5 MW of heating and cooling, SwRI develops novel solutions and performs thermal performance testing of mission critical cooling hardware for several cooling hardware manufacturers and hyperscalers.
For inquiries, contact Ashok Thyagarajan +1 210 522 2613 or Eugene Hoffman +1 210 522 4816.
- Data Center Cooling Testing & Research
- Heat Exchanger Performance Testing
- Large-Scale Heat Exchanger Test Facility
Space Thermal Research
SwRI delivers applied thermofluids research and engineering solutions for challenging environments where performance, reliability and efficiency are critical. Our team specializes in heat transfer analysis, modeling, and experimental validation to support aerospace, space systems and emerging technologies such as orbital data centers, lunar habitats, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and power production. We provide expertise in cryogenic and extreme-temperature systems, including characterization across liquid nitrogen and liquid helium regimes, as well as solutions for long-duration thermal survival challenges such as lunar survive the night operations.
For inquiries, contact Kevin Supak +1 210 522 2350 or Eugene Hoffman +1 210 522 4816.
- Space Fluids Hardware Development
- Space Fluids Engineering
- Space Propulsion & Propellants
- Fluid Physics for Space Applications
Thermal Management Solutions for Defense Applications
SwRI delivers mission-focused thermal management R&D, testing and modeling to meet the demanding needs of the U.S. government and modern warfighting systems. We specialize in two-phase and direct-to-chip cooling, large-scale thermal management solutions, and ruggedized solutions for forward operating environments. SwRI can also advance physics-based models of evaporative cooling and critical heat flux, along with novel materials and architectures, to deliver compact, efficient, and resilient thermal systems that enhance performance, survivability, and mission readiness.
For inquiries, contact John-Mark Clemenson at +1 210 522 6018.
Geothermal Technology Research
SwRI delivers applied thermal-fluid R&D, testing and modeling for geothermal energy systems. Testing capabilities include validation and performance testing of heat exchangers, validation of surface equipment and development of thermal processes for energy production for geothermal applications. By combining high-fidelity modeling with targeted experiments, we optimize heat transfer performance, reduce losses and improve system efficiency, helping clients de-risk designs and accelerate deployment of reliable geothermal solutions.
Other Thermal Management Research
SwRI provides applied thermal-fluid testing, modeling and R&D across diverse industries. Our capabilities include HVAC system evaluation, automotive thermal management and component validation, and cooling solutions for robotics and automated systems. We also support food and beverage applications, optimizing thermal processes for efficiency and product quality. If your application falls outside these areas, our multidisciplinary team can tailor solutions to meet unique challenges.
Featured Expert
Ashok Thyagarajan, Ph.D.
Research Engineer
Dr. Ashok Thyagarajan is a Research Engineer in SwRI’s Thermofluids section of Mechanical Engineering. He advances thermal management technology through experimental and computational research, with expertise in multiphase flows, boiling and condensation heat transfer, and CFD. Dr. Thyagarajan co-leads the Thermal Systems business unit, leading development and testing of next-generation cooling technologies—including large-scale heat exchanger facilities and data center cooling systems—while supporting applications across energy, aerospace, and advanced thermal systems. Contact
Featured Expert
Eugene Hoffman, Ph.D.
Research Engineer
Dr. Eugene Hoffman is a Research Engineer in SwRI’s Flow Characterization section of Mechanical Engineering. He advances thermal management technology through applied research, testing, and modeling, with expertise in fluid mechanics, compressible flow, and high-speed diagnostics. Dr. Hoffman co-leads the Thermal Systems business unit, supporting industries including aerospace, defense, energy, and data centers, and has led development of large-scale heat exchanger testing facilities, microgravity fluid experiments, and advanced thermal system evaluations. Contact
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Large-Scale Heat Exchanger Test Facility
SwRI has significantly expanded its heat exchanger evaluation capabilities.
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Medium-Scale Scale Heat Exchanger Testing Facility
SwRI’s medium- scale test facility (MS-HXTF) offers up to one megawatt of capacity thermal testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is included in thermal management research? |
Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer form the foundation of thermal management research. Temperature, pressure and flow govern how liquids, gases and two-phase fluids behave within a system. At SwRI, engineers apply these principles through computational modeling, experimental testing and applied R&D to design, validate and optimize thermal systems. This includes heat exchangers, HVAC, electronics cooling, aerospace and defense systems, geothermal applications and more. |
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What unique capabilities does SwRI offer? |
Along with multidisciplinary expertise and 2.4 million square feet of laboratory space, SwRI is home to two onsite heat exchanger test facilities servicing 1 megawatt (MW) to 5 MW capacity. Both facilities offer test beds for thermal management system equipment such as pumps, valves, instrumentation and fluid composition evaluation equipment. |
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How is SwRI paving the way for the future of energy using thermal management research? |
SwRI supports all phases of R&D from experimental testing to facility design and fabrication. SwRI performs analysis, modeling and validates emerging thermal management technology. Our work is expansive and our investment into SwRI’s internal research program allows us to take on challenging technological problems without the constraints of contract R&D. This allows us to explore new areas of research and innovative approaches that might be too experimental for a potential client. |