Numerical study of particles trajectories in a multifunctional electrostatic separator powered by photovoltaic system

Introduction. Electrostatic separation is a growing technology in the recycling industry. It is an effective technology for processing plastics and metallic materials in the form of granular mixtures or fine powders from waste electrical and electronic equipment. Problem. Understanding the various physical phenomena occurring in the separation zone is crucial for improving the efficiency of electrostatic separation devices. This has led to the adoption of efficient and reliable numerical models for simulating particle trajectories. The goal of the work is to represent graphically the trajectories of two insulating charged polypropylene particles of different sizes (2 mm and 4 mm) in the multifunctional electrostatic separator powered by photovoltaic (PV) system use a multipoint electrodes as charging device employing numerical simulation and demonstrate its effectiveness and reliability for the study of particles trajectories by integrating PV panels as a power source for electrostatic separators according to the recommendations of the new energy system. Methodology. Using the Euler-Cromer method as numerical model to solve the equation of motion of the particles. This method was based on the calculation of the electric field intensity, which is done by the COMSOL Multiphysics software, which uses the finite element method (FEM). The numerical simulation was carried out using MATLAB software by varying the voltage applied to the active electrodes of the multifunctional electrostatic separator suggested, and the distance between them, taking into account the influence of electrostatic and mechanical forces on the charged insulating particles as they pass through the separation zone. The results were showed that the numerical model used is an effective and reliable tool for the study of particles trajectories. Scientific novelty of this work is to integrate PV panels as the main low-voltage energy source at the input of the high-voltage generator supplying the electrostatic separator with an optimal voltage of 30 kV. In addition, this numerical study has used electrostatic forces, gravitational forces, and dynamic forces simultaneously. Practical value. The numerical simulation was contributed to a thorough understanding of various physical phenomena occurring in the separation zone and was considered a tool to validate experimental results. References 31, tables 2, figures 14.