Application of the Finite-Volume Method to Study the Effects of Baffles on Radiative Heat Transfer in Complex Enclosures

Abstract

A finite-volume radiation model for participating gray media in 2-D and 3-D complex rectangular enclosures with obstacles is developed. The step and the bounded high-order resolution curved-line advection method (CLAM) schemes are examined. Using the blocked-off-region procedure, the present model is capable of predicting radiative heat transfer in enclosures with obstructions and baffles. In order to validate the formulations derived here a square cavity with one or three baffles and finned internal cylinder, then a three-dimensional complex heat recuperator of a pilot plant of biomass pyrolysis with obstructions and baffles, are studied. It should be pointed out that the developed code using the CLAM scheme is accurate and convenient for computational thermal calculations. For the considered heat recuperator, the presence of baffles enhances radiative heat flux and contributes to the increase of the mean medium temperature.