Design of a Condensing Heat Recovery Integrated with an Electrostatic Precipitator for Wood Heaters

Abstract

High emission of particulate matter from fixed sources of biomass combustion and the effects on the health of the population have driven the implementation of public policies for changes in the energy matrix and a technological replacement in Chile. Due to this, a prototype of a condensing heat exchanger is developed integrating an electrostatic precipitator, seeking to enhance the positive effects of these technologies in a single and relatively compact device. The state of the art shows similar developments, but with high levels of complexity in construction, as a shell and tube heat exchanger, that is why the concept of a thermocannon was optimized to condense the moisture present in the fumes and reduce smoke emissions through an electric field. It is expected that using an electrostatic precipitator, up to 90% of particulate matter emissions will be captured, and thermal efficiencies of an additional 9%. For its design, heat transfer and thermodynamics models were used and validated through CFD modeling.