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Advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Biomass Pyrolysis: A Review

Author

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  • Anirudh Kulkarni

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar 382426, India)

  • Garima Mishra

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Energy Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar 382426, India)

  • Sridhar Palla

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, Visakhapatnam 530003, India)

  • Potnuri Ramesh

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Mangalore 575025, India)

  • Dadi Venkata Surya

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Energy Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar 382426, India)

  • Tanmay Basak

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India)

Abstract

Pyrolysis, a process for extracting valuable chemicals from waste materials, leverages computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize reactor parameters, thereby enhancing product quality and process efficiency. This review aims to understand the application of CFD in pyrolysis. Initially, the need for pyrolysis and its role in biomass valorization are discussed, and this is followed by an elaboration of the fundamentals of CFD studies in terms of their application to the pyrolysis process. The various CFD simulations and models used to understand product formation are also explained. Pyrolysis is conducted using both conventional and microwave-assisted pyrolysis platforms. Hence, the reaction kinetics, governing model equations, and laws are discussed in the conventional pyrolysis section. In the microwave-assisted pyrolysis section, the importance of wavelength, penetration depth, and microwave conversion efficiencies on the CFD are discussed. This review provides valuable insights to academic researchers on the application of CFD in pyrolysis systems. The modeling of pyrolysis by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a complex process due to the implementation of multiple reaction kinetics and physics, high computational cost, and reactor design. These challenges in the modeling of the pyrolysis process are discussed in this paper. Significant solutions that have been used to overcome the challenges are also provided with potential areas of research and development in the future of CFD in pyrolysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Anirudh Kulkarni & Garima Mishra & Sridhar Palla & Potnuri Ramesh & Dadi Venkata Surya & Tanmay Basak, 2023. "Advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Biomass Pyrolysis: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-32, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:23:p:7839-:d:1290507
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Oyedun, Adetoyese Olajire & Gebreegziabher, Tesfaldet & Ng, Denny K.S. & Hui, Chi Wai, 2014. "Mixed-waste pyrolysis of biomass and plastics waste – A modelling approach to reduce energy usage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 127-135.
    5. Kaczor, Zuzanna & Buliński, Zbigniew & Werle, Sebastian, 2020. "Modelling approaches to waste biomass pyrolysis: a review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 427-443.
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    1. Sandu, Mihai Rares & Boldor, Dorin & Macavei, Mircea Gabriel & Magdziarz, Aneta & Marculescu, Cosmin, 2025. "Heat and flow dynamics in biomass reactors under pyrolysis conditions: Computational insights," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).

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