Arrangement Design of Combined Thermal Storage Body in Equipment
Briefly introduces the layout design of combined thermal storage bodies in equipment.
Arrangement Design of Combined Thermal Storage Body in Equipment
The arrangement of the combined thermal regenerator directly affects airflow distribution, heat recovery efficiency, and equipment compactness.
Comparison of Basic Arrangements
Arrangement Method | Structure | Features | Applications |
Single-Layer Arrangement | Horizontally laid out one layer | Simple structure, low cost, low efficiency | Suitable for small equipment |
Multi-Layer Arrangement | Vertically stacked multiple layers | High efficiency (≥95%), large heat storage | Suitable for RTOs and large equipment |
Zoned Arrangement | Divided into multiple independent zones | Flexible, reliable, and maintainable | Suitable for three/five-chamber RTOs |
Key Points for Each Arrangement
Single-layer Arrangement: Gas passes through all at once, with limited heat storage capacity. Suitable for small throughput or applications with low efficiency requirements.
Multi-layer Arrangement: Gas passes through each layer sequentially. More layers result in higher efficiency but also increased pressure drop. Interlayer sealing (≤5mm) is required to prevent gas bypass. This is the standard arrangement for RTOs.
Zoned Arrangement: Each zone can be switched independently (e.g., a three-chamber RTO: one chamber for intake, one for exhaust, and one for purging, switching alternately). While one zone is undergoing maintenance, other zones can continue operating, ensuring high reliability.
Differentiated Selection for Different Sections
In multi-layer or zoned arrangements, different specifications can be used for different locations:
Location | Recommended Material | Corrugated Spacing | Reason |
Inlet Section (High Temperature) | Corundum-Mullite | Larger | High temperature resistance, anti-clogging |
Middle Section (Main Body) | Cordierite | Medium | Balances efficiency and pressure drop |
Outlet Section (Low Temperature) | Cordierite | Smaller | Improves efficiency, low cost |
Design Considerations
Inlet section spacing: 200-400mm, allowing for full airflow development
Total height of the heat storage unit: Typically 1-3m (calculated based on the reversal cycle)
Interlayer sealing: Ceramic fiber blanket filling to prevent bypass
Wall sealing: Gaps between the plates and the wall must be filled
Recommended for different equipment
Equipment | Layout | Number of Floors/Rooms |
Two-room RTO | Multi-level layout | 3-5 floors |
Three-room RTO | Zoned layout | 4-6 floors/room |
4-6 floors/room | Zoned (sector-shaped) | 3-5 floors/8-12 zones |
Summary
The layout scheme can be summarized as follows: single-layer layouts are simple and low-cost, multi-layer layouts are the mainstream for high efficiency, and zoning layouts offer flexibility and high reliability. In multi-layer and zoning layouts, different sections can utilize different materials and specifications for optimization. Providing expansion space (200-400mm) at the entrance section and ensuring tight sealing between layers and on the walls are crucial for guaranteeing efficient operation.