Pseudo-homogeneous 1D RANS radial model for heat transfer in tubular packed beds

A RANS zonal pseudo-homogeneous 1D radial heat transfer model is derived using an homogenization technique along with high-fidelity microscopic simulation to calibrate the model free parameters. Thus, it is brought to light the importance of the mechanical dispersion in the mixing process, the similarity between turbulent and dispersive dynamics and the exixtence of a channeling effect which is responsible for the thermal resistance in the near wall zone. A linear law for the effective thermal conductivity is proposed to assess the heat transfer within the disrupted thermal boundary layer. The model showed its ability to estimate the effective conductivity and the temperature field in the radial direction with satisfaction. Very good agreements are also found in the near wall zone where the temperature gradients are the highest. The model well estimated also the value of the wall temperature and the wall heat transfer coefficient for an imposed heat flux at the wall.