Induction Heating of a Fluidized Pebble Bed: Numerical and Experimental Analysis

The development of energy-efficient Power-to-Heat (PtH) technologies with high power density on a utility scale is key element in the future flexible energy systems. Although existing solutions for electric flow heaters (EFH) based resistance heating have efficiency, process outlet temperature and output are limited by lifetime contact elements. Inductively heated packed bed can achieve higher gas temperatures density, which essential an efficient process. This paper focuses modeling, experimental validation numerical analysis inductively pebble heater. Foremost, model that 3D finite volume method approach introduced. After that, setup different sphere arrangements used to obtain results concept verification validation. With validated, design space PtH investigated varying heat transfer area material properties bed. Design efficiency above 90% over 5.5 MW/m3 presented magnetic as well non-magnetic materials at laboratory scale.