ABSTRACT
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based models of pulverized coal (PC) fired boilers require large computational resources and turnaround times. Therefore, such models are generally not appropriate for quick analysis or for on-line optimization (and are also not intended for such). Classical chemical reaction engineering (CRE) approach-based models rely on simplified assumptions about flow and mixing in the reactor, and focus on the solution of mass and energy conservation equations. In these models, because momentum equations are not solved, demands on computational resources are orders of magnitude lower than for CFD models. These models also offer quick turnaround times and therefore have the potential for use with on-line optimization. However, for complex reactors such as PC fired boilers where flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions are intricately coupled, it is rather difficult to make a priori assumptions about the flow and mixing for formulating CRE models.
