A Novel Voltage Gradient Configuration Strategy for 200 t/d Oxygen-Fuel Combustion Coupled Electric Boosting Glass Melting Systems

The production of high-performance glass fibers relies critically on achieving a homogeneous melt with a specific thermal history, which is directly determined by the precise control and optimization of the melting equipment. To enhance the melting efficiency and material quality, this study investigates the optimization of the electric assistance system in a 200 t/d oxygen-enriched glass fiber melting furnace. By integrating CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation techniques, a furnace model encompassing both the combustion zone and molten glass phase is developed. The study focuses on the impact of an oxy-fuel combustion + electric assistance system on the glass melting process. The influence of different input voltages on the furnace is analyzed through temperature, velocity, and flow fields. Glass melting efficiency and quality are evaluated using residence time, melting factor, and homogenization factor, considering both the residence time of molten glass and quality factors. The results indicate that a voltage scheme with the highest input voltage at the furnace inlet, combined with a relatively high voltage at the furnace outlet, is optimal, leading to the superior glass melting quality and the longest furnace service lifespan.