Modelling of baffles in electrostatic precipitator (ESP) to achieve optimum flow distribution

Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) are the most reliable emission control devices that are used in coal fired power plants to capture fine particles for reducing exhaust emission. Its efficiency is more than 99% or more. However, capturing submicron particles are still a problem due to complex flow distributions and design limitations of ESP. In this study, two different shapes of baffles inside the ESP have been considered to assess their influence on the flow pattern using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code ‘ANSYS FLUENT’. Due to different shapes, the flow distribution will be changed inside the ESP which is expected to affect and increase the residence time of flue gas. The results of this paper indicate that the proposed shapes can influence in collecting more fine particles.