Numerical simulation of suspension biomass combustor with two chambers

Abstract

Biomass has already taken its much-needed attention as an energy source due to its zero carbon emission and renewability. Among various types, biomass residues such as sawdust and rice husk show economical potential due to their abundance. However, its optimum conversion is utmost necessary for clean and sustainable consumption. The suspension combustion is one of the promising energy conversion technologies for biomass residues. However, because of complex reaction schemes and various characteristic properties of biomass, it has become difficult to optimize the conventional suspension combustor. To overcome these difficulties, a numerical model was developed in this study to analyze the transport phenomena in the combustor. The CFD model was based on Eulerian-Lagrangian concept, which tracks each biomass particle individually with association of multiple physics and thermo-chemical properties. The model was validated using an industrial suspension type combustor.