Progress in thermal transport modeling of carbonate-based reacting systems

Purpose Carbonate-based heterogeneous reacting systems are investigated for the applications of thermochemical carbon dioxide capture and energy storage. This paper aims to review recent progress in numerical modeling of thermal transport phenomena in such systems. Design/methodology/approach Calcium oxide looping is selected as the model carbonate-based reacting system. Numerical models coupling heat and mass transfer to chemical kinetics are reviewed for solar-driven calcium oxide looping on the sorbent particle, particle bed, and reactor levels. Findings At the sorbent particle level, a transient numerical model of heat and mass transfer coupled to chemical kinetics has been developed for a single particle undergoing cyclic calcination and carbonation driven by time-periodic boundary conditions. Modeling results show cycle times impact the maximum sorbent utilization and solar-to-chemical energy efficiency. At the reactor level, a model of heat and mass transfer coupled to chemical kinetics of calcination of a packed-bed reactor concept has been developed to estimate the reactor’s performance. The model was used to finalize reactor geometry by evaluating pressure drops, temperature distributions, and heat transfer in the reactor. Originality/value Successful solar thermochemical reactor designs maximize solar-to-chemical energy conversion by matching chemical kinetics to reactor heat and mass transfer processes. Modeling furthers the understanding of thermal transport phenomena and chemical kinetics interactions and guides the design of solar chemical reactors.