Heat losses in applied smouldering systems: Sensitivity analysis via analytical modelling

As applied smouldering systems gain popularity for a variety of energy conversion purposes, there is strong interest in optimizing the reactor design to support robust smouldering. Heat losses play critical role balance systems, and therefore have implications toward understanding propagation limits design. an system were approximated by adapting analytical model from Kuznetsov (1996), originally developed unsteady local thermal non-equilibrium heat transfer porous cylinder, simulate cooling zone trailing front. The was adapted solving on domain that lengthens as expands at rate velocity. results are incorporated into global system, thereby providing inexpensive rapid method estimate efficiency. Confidence provided demonstrating its predictions compare well with existing experimental numerical estimates similar systems. then used quantify sensitivity two key parameters: radius insulation quality. efficiency shown be highly sensitive improved increased up ~0.1 m (i.e., laboratory-sized reactors). However, this diminished size. Beyond 0.4 radius, predicted high (~85-95%) relatively insensitive Therefore, commercial, batch treatment reactors do not need larger than protect against maximize their This threshold considerably less current can provide valuable cost savings.