Volume 56

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Pressure Drop in Advanced Swirling Fluidized Bed Combustion Opeyemi Fadipe, Seong Lee, Guangming Chen, Steve Efe, Zheng Li

Abstract

Fluidized bed combustion (FBC) presents numerous advantages over conventional combustion technologies, making it a superior choice for various applications. The application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is crucial in understanding and optimizing the performance of fluidized bed combustors. CFD techniques allow for the detailed simulation of complex combustion processes and the hydrodynamics within the fluidized bed, including interactions between solid particles and gas phases. The Eulerian-Eulerian model, which treats gas and solid phases as interpenetrating continua and incorporates the kinetic theory of granular flow, is particularly effective in capturing these dynamics. In this study, we investigated the co-combustion of poultry litter with natural gas in an advanced swirling fluidized bed combustor, focusing on the pressure drop associated with poultry waste combustion. Key parameters examined included the chamber’s primary air flow rate, poultry litter flow rate, and sand mass. The results indicated that increased primary air mass flow rate leads to a higher pressure drop across the combustion chamber. Excessive airflow can potentially force sand out of the chamber, highlighting the need for optimal airflow regulation. Similarly, a higher sand mass within the chamber also results in a greater pressure drop, suggesting the necessity of balancing the bed material mass to maintain efficient combustion without excessive pressure drop. The study underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between primary air flow rate, fuel feed rate, and bed material mass. Proper control and optimization of these variables are crucial for maintaining stable combustion and preventing operational issues such as bed material ejection. By accurately modeling and analyzing the effects of various operational parameters using CFD, it is possible to enhance fluidized bed combustors’ efficiency, stability, and safety. This research demonstrates explicitly that managing the primary air flow rate and sand mass is essential for controlling the pressure drop and ensuring the effective co-combustion of poultry litter with natural gas.

Keywords : Computational Fluid Dynamics, Poultry Litter, Advanced Swirling Fluidized bed, Eulerian-Eulerian model