Modelling and optimisation of a wire-plate ESP for mitigation of poultry PM emission using COMSOL. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Knight, Reyna M.; Zhao, Lingying; Zhu, Heping
• Is Part Of: Biosystems engineering. Volume 211(2021)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: CFD -- Dust -- Electrostatic precipitation -- Particulate matter -- Simulation; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Agricultural engineering -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Génie rural -- Périodiques; Systèmes biologiques -- Périodiques; 631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2021.08.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1537-5110

Abstract

Abstract : Particulate matter (PM) emissions constitute a major air pollution concern for commercial poultry production facilities. Recently, the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) has emerged as a promising technology for mitigation of poultry PM. However, further optimisation of ESP design, operation scale, and operating parameters is necessary for improved PM removal efficiencies and practical applications in poultry facilities. In this study, a comprehensive model of the poultry PM collection process in a simulated ESP module was developed using COMSOL software. The model simulated airflow characteristics, electric field and space charge development, particle charging, and particle trajectory tracking of both PM10 and PM2.5 . Wire-plate ESP configurations with varying design parameters, such as number of wire electrodes and plate separation distance, were simulated using the COMSOL model at an inlet air velocity of 2.0 m s −1 to identify the optimal configuration for development of ESP physical prototypes. The model was validated by laboratory testing of a prototype ESP within a wind tunnel under three sets of ventilation conditions representing hot, warm, and cold weather, respectively. The prototype ESP exhibited PM10 collection efficiencies of 90.8%, 97.1%, and 99.0% in hot, warm, and cold weather conditions, respectively. The observed PM2.5 collection efficiencies under these respective conditions were 86.9%, 94.4%, and 97.8%. This COMSOL model can be used as an inexpensive alternative to developing physical prototypes when evaluating ESP designs for PM mitigation in poultry facilities. Highlights: Comprehensive model of PM collection in a wire-plate ESP was developed using COMSOL. Model used to simulate various ESP designs and find best one for poultry PM removal. Validation performed by testing prototype ESP in wind tunnel with flour as PM. Model accurately predicted PM removal efficiencies with relative errors below 10%.