To predict behavior of heat transfer in a packed bed, various types of models, such as the Series and Parallel models and Maxwell Eucken model were proposed [1,2].
Afterward, finite area contactmodels between particles and unit cell models were developed as new models [3–6].
On the other hands, in the last decade, although conventional and empirical models have been proposed for the various behaviors of thermal contact resistance [7–10], more precise thermal analysis is required in order to understand heat transfer in a bed. For example, the thermal resistance network model does not always provide satisfactory predictions.
To predict the effective thermal conductivity (ETC) of packed beds precisely, four heat transfer mechanisms must be considered simultaneously: (1) conduction through the solid; (2) conduction through the contact area between particles; (3) radiation between solid surfaces; (4) conduction through the fluid phase; and (5) convective heat transfer between solid and gas. Although DEM approaches [11–13], which can consider wall region effect for the void fraction, convection heat transfer and contact resistance, show good results, their model does not include the thermal radiation. On the other hand, fine and larger particles are mixed to improve the mechanism (1) because the void fraction is reduced.
At this time, because the number of contact points becomes larger [14], contact resistance for mechanism (2) must be considered precisely.
Moreover, effective thermal conductivity is a function of particle Reynolds number, and fast gas flow rate promotes convective heat transfer [15].
Accordingly, particle size, void fraction, contact resistance, gas glow rate and thermal radiation are important factors for precise analysis in packed bed.