Computational fluid dynamics study of a pulverized coal boiler performance at peak and low load operation
Analiza pracy kotła pyłowego metodą CFD w warunkach obciążenia maksymalnego i minimalnego
Michalina Kurkus-Gruszecka
Streszczenie
This study presents a CFD-based analysis of a large-scale pulverized coal-fired steam boiler operating under two
distinct load conditions: maximum and minimum. The numerical model was developed using the finite volume method.
Simulations were performed on a simplified but representative geometry, incorporating detailed burner modeling and fuel
properties relevant to the specific application. Results include temperature, pressure, and oxygen distribution within the
combustion chamber. The comparison reveals that low-load operation leads to significant changes in combustion behavior,
including sharper local temperature peaks, altered flue gas flow patterns, and higher oxygen concentrations in the lower furnace
region. These findings underline the importance of load-dependent analysis, particularly in light of current trends toward
flexible operation of fossil-fuel-fired units. The study demonstrates that detailed numerical modeling is a valuable tool for
supporting the design, optimization, and control of industrial boilers under varying operating conditions.
distinct load conditions: maximum and minimum. The numerical model was developed using the finite volume method.
Simulations were performed on a simplified but representative geometry, incorporating detailed burner modeling and fuel
properties relevant to the specific application. Results include temperature, pressure, and oxygen distribution within the
combustion chamber. The comparison reveals that low-load operation leads to significant changes in combustion behavior,
including sharper local temperature peaks, altered flue gas flow patterns, and higher oxygen concentrations in the lower furnace
region. These findings underline the importance of load-dependent analysis, particularly in light of current trends toward
flexible operation of fossil-fuel-fired units. The study demonstrates that detailed numerical modeling is a valuable tool for
supporting the design, optimization, and control of industrial boilers under varying operating conditions.