Microwave-Only Heating Concepts for Industrial CO2 Regeneration System Design

This study presents various microwave reactor designs specifically engineered for continuous microwave CO2 desorption, marking a significant advancement in microwave-heating systems. This study explored both horizontal and vertical continuous microwave reactor configurations. The horizontal design incorporates a modified conveyor belt system with cleated belts and Teflon sidewalls, rendering it particularly suitable for the regeneration of gas. Conversely, the vertical design utilizes a cascade gate opening mechanism, facilitating precise control over the microwave intensity and exposure duration. The efficiency of microwave power utilization was enhanced through the numerical modeling and optimization of the reactor dimensions. This study assessed the impact of waveguide placement, cavity size, and sorbent material thickness on power absorption and heating. The findings indicate that strategic waveguide positioning and optimal cavity dimensions significantly influence the microwave energy distribution and absorption, leading to reduced hotspots and more uniform heating. This study offers valuable insights into the design and optimization of microwave reactors for CO2 desorption, contributing to more efficient and effective commercial applications of this technology. These results underscore the potential of microwave technology to revolutionize desorption processes and pave the way for further advancements in this domain. Design 2 exhibited more uniform heating owing to its slower and controlled temperature increase, making it more suitable for applications requiring consistent thermal performance over extended periods.