Thermal Modelling of the Torrefaction Process Using the Finite Element Method

Abstract

This paper focuses on the thermal characteristic of the torrefied pinecone pellets. The resistivity heating system was used for torrefaction purposes. The torrefaction was conducted at 523 K for different holding times of 5, 10 and 15 minutes. The thermal behaviour of the pinecone pellet was numerically predicted using the pdepe algorithm. A parabolic 2-D heat transfer equation was used to estimate the thermal profile across the pinecone. The effect of the interactive atmosphere was on the numerical solution was also examined. The pelletisation was performed using a ring-die at the temperature of 70 °C.

Keywords

• finite element analysis
• heat transfer
• pellet
• thermal
• torrefaction