Unsteady one-dimensional model for a bed combustion of solid fuels

A transient one-dimensional combustion model of a solid fuel bed that can be applied to various types of combustors employing the solid bed is suggested. Configuration of solid beds can be characterized by combinations of solid and gas flow directions, ignition methods, and dominant reactions. These features can be reflected numerically to the boundary and initial conditions of the model, while the governing mechanism in each type of bed is similar. The mechanism is expressed as forms of conservation equations for the solid and the gas phase. Solid-gas reactions, gaseous reactions, heat transfer, geometrical changes of the particles, and physical properties are modelled and reflected to each term of the governing equations. Simulation results are shown for two cases: a packed bed combustor and an iron ore sintering bed. Two cases have distinctively different bed configurations and ignition methods. The propagation rates of the combustion zone are quantitatively discussed in terms of the flame propagation speed. Future development of the model is discussed for possible application to more complicated simulation cases.