Solution by triple collocation for periodic operation of heat regenerators

The problem of periodic, countercurrent operation of packed-bed heat regenerators is considered and solved using triple collocation. This novel method uses collocation in two space variables: along the bed length and along the radius of the solid particles, and collocation in time. The method reduces the problem to a solution of a set of linear algebraic equations and bypasses either lengthy integration of open methods or iterative schemes of closed methods of solution both of which have been used previously for problems of this type. It is shown that the accuracy achieved is good. The effect of various system parameters such as Stanton, Biot and Peclet number on exit temperature and regenerator efficiency are examined and discussed.