Analysis of thermal energy performance in continuous annealing furnace

Highlights: •A model for assessment of energy efficiency in the annealing furnace is established. •The simultaneous effects of line speed and heating power distribution are studied. •To maximize energy efficiency, both heating power and strip velocity are investigated. •Effects of geometrical and operational parameters on overall efficiency are evaluated. •The pattern of heating power along the continuous annealing furnace is examined. -- Abstract: In this paper, the effects of several parameters such as the strip width and thickness, strip velocity and also heating power produced by radiant tubes and its distribution on the overall efficiency of continuous annealing furnace were analyzed. A mathematical model was developed to compute the total heat absorbed by the strip. Then, the overall efficiency was calculated. It was recognized that the strip with lower thickness and width may reduce the thermal performance of continuous annealing line. According to this study, both of strip velocity and heating power should be carefully adjusted in each heating schedule. One of the greatest benefits of this work rather than other previous studies is that both strip velocity and heat power are simultaneously considered such that the operator can make a better sense of setting parameters among tangible choices for a predetermined schedule. The results showed despite more heat provided at the entry of the furnace, the effect of adjusting the heating power at the exit of furnace on overall efficiency was remarkably more.