2-dimensional Finite Elemental Modeling of Microwve Heating (fem) of a Coal Sample; to Determine Temperature Rise with Time at a Certain Power Density

A two dimensional finite element model (FEM) was developed to Predict the temperature distribution in coal particles with the aid of microwave heating. However, transient temperature profile for coal particles of high dielectric loss factor is obtained when exposed to microwave radiation. The heat equation and Maxwell’s equation are simultaneously solved using the finite element method to predict the temperature rise in samples at an applied power density. With FEM, a radiation boundary condition was derived and the temperature is dependent on the dielectric properties of the coal sample thereby influencing the heating patterns. The power absorbed was seen to be higher from inside to outside which signifies the heating pattern of microwave radiation. This is such as in thermal runaway seen in pretreatment of highly dielectric loss materials.