Exergy-based Analysis and Efficiency Evaluation for an Aluminium Melting Furnace

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Abstract

The efficiency of a direct combustion aluminium melting furnace which is equipped with natural gas burners in a caster plant is evaluated by using energy and exergy methods to improve the working-system of the burner in the furnace and also identify the potentials of improvement of the furnace. Such improvements not only reduce consumption of fuel, but also reduce the level of production of toxic stack gases and other undesirable effects on natural environment. In this study, the energy efficiency of the aluminum melting furnace and its exergy efficiency are 10% and 6% respectively. The analysis of exergy is more useful compared to the analysis of energy to improve and analyze the efficiency of the furnace and the efficiency of the exergy is a more practical measure in reality. The insights gained through the assessments into the melting furnace are achieved, and potentials of improvement indicated are discussed. By reviewing of the results, it is suggested the solutions to optimize energy consumption include adding regenerative burners and regenerators, preheating ingots, using compressed natural gas, reclaiming heat from cooling water. It is anticipated that the results will be of interest and benefit to designers of new and retrofit systems.
 

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