CFD Modelling and Optimization of Solid Waste Combustion in a 1 MW Fixed Bed Combustion Chamber

Abstract

The global population and energy consumption grow each year. Therefore, the tendency to use biofuels instead of fossil fuels assist the global requirement. Also, enhancing of the combustion efficiency and minimizing pollutant emissions during the combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW). The present study employed a CFD model to simulate solid fuel combustion in a grate combustion chamber which was commonly used in small-capacity boilers. computational fluid dynamics technique was used to simulate complex solid fuel reactions where 1 MW boiler was supposed for wood and coal combustion. The achievements found that 10%-dried MSW was used as fuel. The results of the study were related to the average gas flow temperatures and composition in the furnace outflow section, as well as the high combustion temperatures of fossil fuels. The results for the average temperature and average chemical molecular fractions (CO, O2, CO2, H2O, and N2) generated at the exit of the combustion process were positive. Thus, it was found that the thermal efficiency of the boiler was significantly affected by the amount of air supplied to the system at a temperature of 273 K and atmospheric pressure. We observed variations in flame morphology, temperature profiles, and corresponding numerical values.