Optimizing Thermal Efficiency: The Impact of Insulation and Lid Design on Heat Retention and Energy Conservation

Efficient heat retention is crucial for thermal management systems, particularly in industrial applications. This study explores the effects of different insulation conditions and lid designs on the thermal efficiency of a molten metal holding furnace through numerical simulations and experimental analysis. Four cases were examined, evaluating the impact of insulation quality and the presence of a lid on heat dissipation and temperature retention. The results indicate that using insulation or a lid alone is insufficient to effectively reduce heat loss, whereas their combination significantly enhances thermal efficiency. The optimized design, incorporating a high-performance insulation layer and a sealed lid, demonstrated superior heat preservation by minimizing convective heat loss and maintaining a higher internal temperature. Additionally, an improved molten metal holding furnace was developed based on these findings, integrating an electricity monitoring system for better energy management. The enhanced design resulted in a 38.2% reduction in electricity consumption and an annual decrease of 114.9 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per furnace. These findings provide valuable insights for improving thermal energy management, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices in industrial applications.