Recent Studies of Heat Transfer Mechanisms in a Fluidized Bed

Abstract

A fluidized bed is mostly used in the thermochemical energy conversion of biomass and coal due to its high combustion and thermal efficiency, as well as its fuel flexibility, low emissions, and simple design. Heat transfer phenomena are vital in the operation of a fluidized bed reactor, therefore, it is imperative to understand the heat transfer modes in the bed for optimum design and operational performance output. This treatise presents an overview of the heat transfer status and predictions in fluidized bed combustion (FBC) for clean energy, with regards to power and heat generation. It accentuates the operational performance factors that affect the heat transfer in a fluidized bed combustion as well as the performance output. The study concludes with a summary of recent emerging trends and progress in a fluidized bed heat transfer knowledge and makes an outlook on the future regarding the challenges and opportunities for the technology. The paper also identifies areas related to fluidization, which is critical for the technology and, hence, will merit further research.