Numerical Study of the Influence of Regenerator Structure on the Performance of Hot Blast Stoves

Abstract

The properties and arrangement of checker bricks in regenerators are crucial for the heat exchange process of hot blast stoves. In this study, a 3D fluid flow heat transfer model is established to analyze the influence of three regenerator layered structures on the combustion and air supply performance of hot blast stoves. The results show that a “silica bricks–high-alumina bricks–clay bricks” three-layer arrangement in regenerators produces a “thermal conduction hindrance effect” at the interface between silica and high-alumina bricks during the 2 h combustion period, which raises the local temperature and improves air supply performance. Compared to the “silica bricks–clay bricks” and “high-alumina bricks–silica bricks–clay bricks” structures, this setup increases the maximum air supply temperature difference to 23 and 64 K, respectively, and extends the effective air supply time by 80 and 320 s, respectively. However, the “thermal conduction hindrance effect” diminishes over longer combustion periods, and by 4 h, the performance across all structures becomes increasingly consistent. Additionally, the study suggests that the temperature level and distribution in the upper part of the regenerator are the key factors determining the air supply performance of hot blast stoves.