CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Study on Partial-Load Combustion Characteristics of a 4-Step-Grate Wood Pellet Boiler

A numerical simulation was conducted for the combustion chamber of a 4-step grate-firing boiler for wood pellet fuel. The flame is extended to the exit of combustion chamber, which is reproduced by present numerical method based on a homogeneous reaction model. Flow field from the simulation shows a strong recirculation flow at the upstream corner of the chamber, along which the flame is extended to the exit. These combustion and flow characteristics remain unchanged for partial load operations, which suggest modification of the combustion chamber structure rather than resizing should be effective to improve combustion characteristics. Possible modifications for combustion chamber are suggested such as relocating its exit, increasing the number of grate steps or installing internals such as guide baffles.