Michal Špiláček

TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC OPTIMIZATION OF COGENERATION TECHNOLOGY USING COMBUSTION AND GASIFICATION

This paper presents the technical and economic optimization of new microcogeneration technology with biomass combustion or biomass gasification used for cogeneration of electrical energy and heat for a 200 kW unit. During the development phase, six possible connection solutions were investigated, elaborated and optimized. This paper presents a basic description of the technology, a description of the technological solutions, and especially the results of balance and financial calculations, ending with a comparison and evaluation of the results.

Optimization of Secondary Air Distribution in Biomass Boiler by CFD Analysis

This paper deals with a use of CFD modelling for optimization of supply of secondary combustion air in the two-chamber biomass boiler combusting very wet biomass (capacity ca. 200 kW). Objective of the analyse is to observe the impact of diameter of a secondary air supply pipe and air flow velocity on mixing of the secondary air with flue gas in the combustion chamber. The numerical model of the experimental boiler was build up for subsequent utilizing of CFD computation based on finite element method. The commercial code STAR-CD was used for carried out parametrical studies. Series of calculations were carried out for four different diameters of air distribution pipes and for 3 different air velocities in distribution orifice. Quality of air dispersion in flue gas flow was assessed in the vertical cross section lead in the end of the combustion chamber. The results of calculation were verified on the experimental installation of the boiler. Influence of secondary air mixing on emission production was measured and analysed. Emissions of pollutants for recommended air distribution comply with emission limits stipulated in the most stringent class 5 according to ČSN-EN 303-5 as well as with emission limits under Regulation No. 405/2012 Sb.

Numerical Study of Air Distribution in Combustion Chamber

The main goal of this article is to analyze the distribution of primary and secondary combustion air in a combustion chamber. The fuel for the combustion chamber is biomass and the main characteristics the combustion chamber must meet is to be simple, reliable, cheap and ecological. A brief summary of the importance of primary and secondary air is made and then it is compared with the results from the numerical model. The numerical model is based upon a simplified chamber geometry and the results are computed for laminar and turbulent flow. From the comparison are determined flaws of the design of the combustion chamber and outlined possible solutions for their removal and further direction of the study.

OPTIMALIZATION OF AFTERBURNER CHANNEL IN BIOMASS BOILER USING CFD ANALYSIS

This contribution presents the results of parametrical studies focused on the mixing process in a small rectangular duct within a biomass boiler. The first study investigates the influence of a local narrowing located in the central part of the duct. This narrowing works as an orifice with very simple rectangular geometry. Four different free cross sections of the orifice were considered in the center of the duct, namely 100%, 70%, 50%, 30% of free cross section area in the duct. The second study is focused on the investigation of the influence of secondary air distribution pipe diameter on the mixing process in a flue gas duct without a narrowing.

OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS OF CATALYTIC CLEANING OF GAS FROM BIOMASS GASIFICATION

The paper focuses on the theoretical description of the cleaning of syngas from biomass and waste gasification using catalytic methods, and on the verification of the theory through experiments. The main obstruction to using syngas from fluid gasification of organic matter is the presence of various high-boiling point hydrocarbons (i.e., tar) in the gas. The elimination of tar from the gas is a key factor in subsequent use of the gas in other technologies for cogeneration of electrical energy and heat. The application of a natural or artificial catalyst for catalytic destruction of tar is one of the methods of secondary elimination of tar from syngas. In our experiments, we used a natural catalyst (dolomite or calcium magnesium carbonate) from Horni Lanov with great mechanical and catalytic properties, suitable for our purposes. The advantages of natural catalysts in contrast to artificial catalysts include their availability, low purchase prices and higher resilience to the so-called catalyst poison. Natural calcium catalysts may also capture undesired compounds of sulphure and chlorine. Our paper presents a theoretical description and analysis of catalytic destruction of tar into combustible gas components, and of the impact of dolomite calcination on its efficiency. The efficiency of the technology is verified in laboratories. The facility used for verification was a 150 kW pilot gasification unit with a laboratory catalytic filter. The efficiency of tar elimination reached 99.5%, the tar concentration complied with limits for use of the gas in combustion engines, and the tar content reached approximately 35 mg/m n 3 . The results of the measurements conducted in laboratories helped us design a pilot technology for catalytic gas cleaning.