Eco-optimized experimental and computational analysis of coarse wood chips fluidization aerodynamics in bed reactors

• CPFD simulations optimized wood chip fluidization for sustainable biomass energy. • Addressed particle adhesion and agglomeration to improve gas-particle contact. • Selected coarse particles for enhanced thermal storage and fluidization stability. • Validated simulation results with lab-scale experiments for reactor design insights. In this study, computational particle fluid dynamics (CPFD) simulations optimized the aerodynamic properties of wood chips which are a key biomass fuel for sustainable power generation by the addressing of challenges in fluidization. Using both fixed and bubbling fluidized beds, the study focused on particle adhesion and agglomeration, which cause channeling and voids, thus reducing gas-particle contact. Additionally, solid bridges or agglomerates from uneven bed distribution were shown to decrease fluidization efficiency and heat transfer. Coarse particles (2–2.5 mm) were selected to establish the optimal operational range for effective fluidization. Reducing particle aggregation and adhesion through collisions promoted a uniform distribution, enhanced thermal energy storage and stabilizing bed temperature, and benefited in combustion control in green chemical engineering applications. The commercial CPFD software Barracuda was used for simulations at an inlet pressure of 300 Pa above atmospheric and an atmospheric outlet pressure. These simulations provided good insight into wood chip fluidization behavior by the establishment of operating parameters for fluidized bed reactors and were validated using a lab-scale model with consistent parameters. This study concludes that wood chip fluidization can be represented in distinct operating zones and clarifies optimal design considerations for reactors suited to biomass combustion. These findings significantly advance the understanding of wood chip aerodynamics by giving a sustainable fuel option for efficient thermal energy production.