A numerical study of a utility boiler tangentially-fired furnace under different operating conditions

For prediction of complex processes in two-phase turbulent reactive flows within large-scale boiler furnaces firing pulverized coal, a comprehensive 3D differential mathematical model and CFD computer code have been developed in-house. The model incorporates trade-offs between submodels sophistication and computational practicality. An easy-to-use interface for introducing input data and grid generation has been build within the code. The main purpose of the paper is to present numerical predictions of processes in the case-study furnace under different operating conditions, obtained by the developed model. The paper also provides information on characteristics and evaluation of the model, with a grid refinement study and comparisons with comprehensive data. The effects of different operating conditions on the processes in the case-study furnace are correctly predicted, demonstrating the ability of the developed model to perform parametric studies.