Computer simulation of waste combustion in a moving grate furnace as a tool for process optimization and operator training

Conference · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1998

OSTI ID:20017392

Brem, G; Kessel, L B.M. van

A computer model has been developed to simulate the waste combustion process in a moving grate furnace. The computer model describes the main processes occurring both in the waste layer on the grate, and in the gas phase in the furnace. The boiler section and the flue gas cleaning equipment are also included in the model. The computer simulation program can be used for the design of new and advanced control concepts, for the evaluation or optimization of present control concepts, and for the effectiveness of new sensors of key parameters in the control concept. for operator training purposes, the simulation program is extended with a graphic interface. Operators can thus be trained in normal and emergency situations, start-up and shut-down, and alarm diagnosis. The computer simulation program is based on first principles. The description of the underlying physics of the combustion model has been validated against experiments in a laboratory grate furnace. In this furnace a lot of experiments with different types of waste and various process conditions have been carried out. Furthermore the model is validated against data from full-scale incinerators. The above described computer simulation program is used in practice for process optimization and the design of a new control system. The program is continuously modified, refined and extended. The state-of-the-art and the latest results of the computer simulation program and also the main results of the experimental research program will be described in this paper.

• Research Organization: TNO-MEP, Apeldoorn (NL)
• OSTI ID: 20017392
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COMBUSTION
COMPUTER CODES
INCINERATORS
MUNICIPAL WASTES
SOLID WASTES
WASTE PROCESSING