Estimation and Optimization of the Radiant Field in Flat Plate Heterogeneous Photoreactors with the P1-approximation of the Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE).

Abstract

In this work, the P1-approximation of the radiative transfer equation (RTE) was used for the description and optimization of the radiant field in a flat plate photoreactor under solar radiation with three commercial brands of titanium dioxide photocatalysts. The boundary layer of photon absorption (δ_abs), the average volumetric rate of photon absorption (VRPA), and a new apparent optical thickness (ζ_app1) were used as design parameters for optimization. A simple mathematical expression for the calculation of δ_abs also called the best reactor thickness was formulated. For the three catalysts, varying the reactor height (L), it was found a decrease in the local volumetric rate of photon absorption (LVRPA) from the top side until the bottom of the reactor for any value of the catalyst loading (Ccat). It was also observed that when Ccat increases the VRPA increases exponentially until a fixed value where it remains almost constant. With L= 1 cm, the optimum Ccat (Ccatop) was 0.2 g/l in 0.85 cm of thickness, 0.3 g/l in 0.82 cm of thickness, and 0.4 g/l in 0.89 cm of thickness for the photocatalysts Degussa P-25, Aldrich, and Hombitak respectively. The optimum apparent optical thickness (ζ_(app1,op)) was 4.03, 4.62, and 3.7 for the photocatalysts Degussa P-25, Aldrich, and Hombitak respectively. These results are in good agreement with the literature. Results found in this work give predictions on radiation absorption in flat plate photocatalytic reactors with different heights.

Keywords

• Flat plate reactor
• Boundary layer
• LVRPA
• Titanium dioxide
• P1-approximation.

Project Number

There is no project number

Ethical Statement

Hereby, I Clovis Nchikou consciously assure that for the manuscript ´´Estimation and Optimization of the Radiant Field in Flat Plate Heterogeneous Photoreactors with the P1-approximation of the Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE)¨ the following is fulfilled: 1) This material is the authors' original work, which has not been previously published elsewhere. 2) The paper is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere. 3) The paper reflects the author's own research and analysis truthfully and completely. 4) The paper properly credits the meaningful contributions of co-authors and co-researchers. 5) The results are appropriately placed in the context of prior and existing research. 6) All sources used are properly disclosed (correct citation). Copying of text must be indicated as such by using quotation marks and giving proper references. The violation of the Ethical Statement rules may result in severe consequences. I agree with the above statements and declare that this submission follows the policies of Solid State Ionics as outlined in the Guide for Authors and in the Ethical Statement. Date: 11/03/2024 Clovis Nchikou

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