Numerical simulation and experimental validation of heat transfer enhancement on a loaded heat treatment furnace

Heat transfer simulation within heating furnaces is of great significance for prediction and control of the performance of furnaces. In this paper, a set of models is proposed to solve heat transfer problems in a loaded furnace. Furthermore, a 2-dimensional algorithm based on a finite difference method is presented. The heat transfer models are integrated with a furnace model to simulate the heating process of workpieces. Temperature variation of the workpiece with time is predicted by the system. An experiment is carried out for validation of the system. Themain objective of this work is to evaluate the behavior of a heated enclosure, when variable radiant panels are introduced. Experimental investigation shows that their efficiency depends on their position.