A novel model to predict the pyrolysis process with preciseness and conciseness: Complementation-Distributed Activation Energy Model (C-DAEM)

• A novel model (C-DAEM) with accuracy and simplicity is proposed. • The complementation effect between frequency factor and activation energy is validated. • The applicability of C-DAEM is successfully expanded to biomass. In this paper, a novel Complementation-Distributed Activation Energy Model (C-DAEM) has been proposed. The model considered the complementation effect between the frequency factor and the activation energy in the form of a mathematical exponential linearity instead of a constant value of frequency factor in traditional model. To further exhibit the performance of C-DAEM, another DAEM model was chosen to make a contrast, considering the changeable frequency factor with temperature. Two types of coals and biomasses were investigated by non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis, where the reaction kinetic parameters were achieved by applying three different DAEM models. Thermogravimetric experiments were conducted at five heating rates for each fuel: 5 K/min, 10 K/min, 20 K/min for data fitting and 30 K/min, 40 K/min for model validation. The results indicate that all DAEM models have the ability to describe the pyrolysis process and the C-DAEM model better conforms experimental results compared with traditional DAEM/ T -DAEM models. For example, the C-DAEM model has the lowest values of object function ( O.F. = 0.0241) and relative root mean square error ( RRMSE = 3.53 %) and highest value of coefficient of determination ( R 2 =0.9978) for Shenmu bituminous coal (SMBC), indicating that the C-DAEM model has the characteristic of well-behaved pyrolysis prediction for various fuels under different heating rates. Meanwhile, the clever presumption about the relationship between frequency factor and activation energy, instead of the existing excessive hypotheses, brings the opportunity for C-DAEM model to be combined with CFD simulation, which provides useful insight for the design of industrial pyrolysis reactor.