Objectives  This study is focused on whether CFD can be used to analyze the temperature distribution in the core storage of ocean exploration vessels.

  Methods  In the core storage of ocean exploration vessels, high-temperature storage is 4°C, low-temperature storage is −20°C and temperature control accuracy is ±1°C. The standard k-ε turbulence model is used in this paper for CFD simulation. In the case of an empty storage ceiling, a transverse layout, a longitudinal layout and an oblique layout are separately adopted on the deployment scheme of the air cooler for high and low temperature storage. The temperature distributions of the different layout schemes are simulated to determine the optimal layout of the air cooler. Then the simulation results are compared with the experimental results.

  Results  The result shows that when the air cooler adopts the transverse ceiling layout, the temperature deviation degree is small, and the temperature is mostly distributed in qualified areas, therefore this layout is selected. In the case of the transverse layout ceiling arrangement, the error between the simulation results and experiment results, is below 10%. This shows that the simulation results are reasonable.

  Conclusions  CFD can accurately simulate temperature distribution in core storage, providing a strong scientific basis for the future design of core storage air coolers.