Analysis of the Efficiency of a Batch Boiler and Emissions of Harmful Substances during Combustion of Various Types of Wood

Abstract

In the paper, the authors focused on the environmental problems of pollution emissions caused by households using batch boilers fired with solid fuels. The aim of this study is to analyse the course of changes in the actual efficiency and emission of a solid fuel updraft boiler, the most popular type of batch boilers used in Poland in recent years. The subject of analysis is the comparison of the values of atmospheric emissions of harmful substances depending on the type of wood burnt in the boiler. The investigation comprises the combustion characteristics of three types of woody biomass (in billets), i.e., pine, birch, and beech. Based on the carried out research of all billets, the beech has the lowest values of CO (3497 mg/m3) and particulate matter (116.9 mg/m3). Despite this, obtained results exceed the current permissible limits based on the standard PN:EN 303-5:2012. The highest efficiency (54.13%) was obtained for birch billets, the lowest for pine (45.13%). The research has shown that the real heating efficiency during the combustion of wood, irrespective of the type of wood being burnt, is low. To summarise, the outdated installations contribute to air pollution several times higher, which indicates the need to replace inefficient heat sources using solid fuels with modern equipment that meets the most stringent standards.

Implementation of an ISO 50001 energy management system using Lean Six Sigma in an Irish dairy: a case study

“…For those sites, the thermal loads require hot water of 90°C, which was recognised as the most efficient heat source with a thermal efficiency of 95%. The previous studies indicated that the efficiency of the most steam efficient boilers is below 78% (Pelka et al ., 2021). All thermal loads at the dairy plant were therefore analysed by the energy team to determine their suitability for deferral to hot water.…”

Energy Production from Biomass Valorization

“…The results showed that fuels with a higher volatile content ignited faster and burnt more intensely, probably due to their lower density. The net calorific value of each fuel was also analyzed and determined to be approximately 16 MJ/kg [1].…”

“…This Special Issue of Energies contains successful submissions [1][2][3][4][5][6] relating to the subject area of "Energy Production from Biomass Valorization". The composition of residual biomass, its low cost, and its abundance make it a realistic option for the production of the energy required for the sustainable development of human society [7].…”

Flue Gas Recirculation System for Biomass Heating Boilers—Research and Technical Applications for Reductions in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emissions

“…Flue gas recirculation is a primary method of nitrogen oxide reduction and is realized by returning some of the flue gas and reintroducing it to the flame area (the reduction in the emissions, particularly NO x , is commonplace; it is widely applied in the industry [28,32,33] and is analyzed both technically [34][35][36] and in its technological aspect [37,38]). In energy systems, this solution is referred to as FGR.…”