Microwave torrefaction of empty fruit bunch pellet: Simulation and validation of electric field and temperature distribution

Peter Nai Yuh Yek; Sieng Huat Kong; Ming Chiat Law; Changlei Xia; Rock Keey Liew; Teck Sung Sie; Jun Wei Lim; Su Shiung Lam

doi:10.1016/j.jobab.2022.09.002

Volume 7 Issue 4

Oct. 2022

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Article Navigation > Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts > 2022 > 7(4): 270-277

Peter Nai Yuh Yek, Sieng Huat Kong, Ming Chiat Law, Changlei Xia, Rock Keey Liew, Teck Sung Sie, Jun Wei Lim, Su Shiung Lam. Microwave torrefaction of empty fruit bunch pellet: Simulation and validation of electric field and temperature distribution[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2022, 7(4): 270-277. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2022.09.002

Citation:

Peter Nai Yuh Yek, Sieng Huat Kong, Ming Chiat Law, Changlei Xia, Rock Keey Liew, Teck Sung Sie, Jun Wei Lim, Su Shiung Lam. Microwave torrefaction of empty fruit bunch pellet: Simulation and validation of electric field and temperature distribution[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2022, 7(4): 270-277. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2022.09.002

Citation:

Peter Nai Yuh Yek, Sieng Huat Kong, Ming Chiat Law, Changlei Xia, Rock Keey Liew, Teck Sung Sie, Jun Wei Lim, Su Shiung Lam. Microwave torrefaction of empty fruit bunch pellet: Simulation and validation of electric field and temperature distribution[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2022, 7(4): 270-277. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2022.09.002

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Microwave torrefaction of empty fruit bunch pellet: Simulation and validation of electric field and temperature distribution

doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2022.09.002

a.
Centre for Research of Innovation and Sustainable Development, University of Technology Sarawak, Jalan University, Sibu, Sarawak 96000, Malaysia
b.
School of Foundation Studies, University of Technology Sarawak, Jalan University, Sibu, Sarawak 96000, Malaysia
c.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia Campus, Miri, Sarawak 98009, Malaysia
d.
Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
e.
NV WESTERN PLT, Georgetown, Penang 10400, Malaysia
f.
Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, University Technology PETRONAS, Darul Ridzuan, Seri Iskandar, Perak 32610, Malaysia
g.
Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), University Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu 21030, Malaysia
h.
Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India

More Information

Corresponding author: E-mail address: lam@umt.edu.my (S.S. Lam)
Received Date: 2022-07-25
Accepted Date: 2022-09-02
Rev Recd Date: 2022-08-28

Available Online: 2022-10-01

Publish Date: 2022-11-01

Abstract

Abstract

Microwave simulation is significant in identifying a reactor design allowing the biomass to be heated and processed evenly. This study integrated the radio frequency and transient heat transfer modules to simulate the microwave distribution and investigated the performance of microwave heating in the cavity. The simulation results were compared with the experimental findings using the finite element analysis software of COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS to predict the temperature profile and electric field of microwave in the biomass (empty fruit bunch pellets). The higher temperature distribution was observed at the bottom and centre section of the empty fruit bunch pellet bed in the reactor, showing the uniqueness of microwave heating. According to the simulation results, the temperature profile obtained through the specific cavity geometry and dielectric properties agreed with the experimental temperature profile. The simulated temperature profile demonstrated a logarithmic increase of 120 ℃/min at the first 50 s followed by 50 ℃/min until 350 s. The experimental temperature profile showed three different heating rates before reaching 300 ℃, including 78.3 ℃/min (50–120 ℃), 30.6 ℃/min (121–250 ℃), and 105 ℃/min (250–300 ℃). The results of this study might contribute to the improvement of microwave heating in biomass torrefaction.
- Microwave,
- Torrefaction,
- Simulation,
- Energy,
- Temperature

Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing interests.

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References(20)

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