Experiments and modeling of two-phase flow in energy conversion

Research Project, 2019 –

The aim of this work is to strengthen a unique long-term collaboration with Valmet (previously Metso) on modeling high efficient biomass combustion in combined heat and power plants and power boilers. The project has the aim to provide modeling and simulation tools for reliable scale up and design. The projects combine in-depth research on key processes (combustion and hydro-dynamics) with a comprehensive modeling exercise together with Valmet. The modeling exercise is validated with measurements data from large scale boilers and includes co-firing with biomass in coal fired power plants as well as multi-fuel boilers. The activities have generated several spin-off projects and are expected to do so also in the future. Thanks to previous AoA funding we have been able to build a unique scale-model of a utility boiler and develop measurement methodology for understanding the in-furnace processes related to mixing and conversion of the fuels and of active bed materials. Although these activities have funding from the Swedish Energy Agency and Valmet, the AoA funding has made it possible to increase the effort and we are currently performing extensive measurements using the unit and associated measurement infrastructure. We will use the continued funding in a similar way, including further development of the measurement infrastructure (which is based on 3D tomographic measurements of mixing of solids and on a new method for measuring the gas-solids mass transfer, both using the down scaled boiler model). Main funding goes to David Pallarès, and the guest researcher (under discussion).