Experimental Evaluation and Modeling of Air Heating in a Ceramic Foam Volumetric Absorber by Effective Parameters

Reticulate porous ceramic reactors use foam-type absorbers in their operation which must fulfill two essential functions: favoring the volumetric effect and increasing mass heat transfer by acting as a support for reactive materials. Heating these with highly inhomogeneous concentrate irradiation induces high thermal gradients that affect performance. Owing to critical function of component reactor, it is necessary define selection criterion absorbers. In this work, we performed an experimental numerical analysis three partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) pore density 10, 20, 30 PPI (pores per inch) used absorber. A model analytical approximation were developed reproduce results, calculate conductivity, well coefficient. The results show increase leads temperature difference between irradiated face rear absorber, occurs because when increases concentrated energy no longer penetrates deepest space absorber absorbed areas close surface; therefore, are created within medium. opposite airflow rate increases; gradient reduced. This behavior more noticeable at low densities, but less relevant internal structure complex, offers obstructions or physical barriers transfer. When steady state reached, faces remains constant if changes slightly, even changing rate. obtained work allow us establish operate solar reactors; based on knowledge properties environment, working conditions, expected.