Thermal and economic evaluation of replacing pulverized coal with torrefied biomass in a small industrial burner in Thailand using computational fluid dynamics

IF 5.3 Q2 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL
Rachapat Chaiyo, Jakrapop Wongwiwat, Yanin Sukjai
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Abstract

In response to the global warming crisis, the use of carbon-neutral biomass as a substitute for coal has gained significant attention due to its comparable combustion properties. This approach allows for minimal modifications to existing fuel systems. However, biomass has limitations, including its fibrous structure, which complicates grinding, and high moisture content, leading to lower power density and increased soot emissions. To overcome these challenges, torrefaction, a process involving the heating of raw biomass to around 200–300 °C, has emerged as a promising solution. This method improves the fuel's quality, reducing its moisture content and enhancing grindability, though it requires heat energy and raw material compensation for mass loss. This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling using ANSYS Fluent to analyze the combustion behavior of torrefied biomass produced under varying severity conditions. The results indicate that intensifying the torrefaction process increases combustion temperatures due to the fuel's higher calorific value and reduced moisture. Additionally, improved grinding capabilities reduce particle size, further enhancing combustion. Compared to conventional biomass, torrefied biomass shows a 28% increase in heat energy, rising from 220 to 279 kW, surpassing coal's 273 kW. Carbon monoxide emissions are significantly reduced by 93%, from 1044–72 kg/MWh, while coal emissions are 20 kg/MWh. However, nitrogen oxide emissions increased by 217%, from 0.17 to 0.54 kg/MWh, though still lower than coal's 0.72 kg/MWh. A cost analysis reveals that torrefaction conditions yielding a solid yield of 0.7 offers the lowest energy cost, approximately 114 Baht/GJ, a 14% reduction compared to conventional biomass and 37% lower than coal.

Abstract Image

利用计算流体动力学对泰国小型工业燃烧器中用碳化生物质代替煤粉的热学和经济评价
为了应对全球变暖危机,使用碳中性生物质作为煤炭的替代品由于其可比的燃烧特性而受到了极大的关注。这种方法允许对现有燃料系统进行最小的修改。然而,生物质有其局限性,包括其纤维结构,使研磨复杂化,高水分含量,导致较低的功率密度和增加的烟尘排放。为了克服这些挑战,烘烤(一种将原料生物质加热到200-300°C左右的过程)已成为一种有希望的解决方案。这种方法提高了燃料的质量,降低了其水分含量,提高了可磨性,但它需要热能和原料来补偿质量损失。本研究采用计算流体动力学(CFD)建模,利用ANSYS Fluent分析不同严酷条件下碳化生物质的燃烧行为。结果表明,强化焙烧过程可以提高燃料的热值和降低水分,从而提高燃烧温度。此外,改进的研磨能力降低了颗粒尺寸,进一步增强了燃烧。与传统生物质相比,碳化生物质的热能增加了28%,从220千瓦增加到279千瓦,超过了煤的273千瓦。一氧化碳排放量从1044-72公斤/兆瓦时显著减少93%,而煤炭排放量为20公斤/兆瓦时。然而,氮氧化物排放量增加了217%,从0.17公斤/兆瓦时增加到0.54公斤/兆瓦时,尽管仍低于煤炭的0.72公斤/兆瓦时。成本分析显示,固体产率为0.7的焙烧条件提供了最低的能源成本,约为114泰铢/吉焦,与传统生物质相比减少了14%,比煤炭低37%。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Cleaner Engineering and Technology
Cleaner Engineering and Technology Engineering-Engineering (miscellaneous)
CiteScore
9.80
自引率
0.00%
发文量
218
审稿时长
21 weeks
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