Co-Combustion of Biomass with Coal in Grate Water Boilers at Low Load Boiler Operation

Abstract

Environmental protection, and in particular air protection against pollution, is an extremely important element of the global policy of many countries. The problem of air pollution is particularly important in Poland, where the heating market is one of the largest in Europe and is based in 74% on the use of fossil fuels, in particular hard coal. One of the technological solutions for the implementation of cleaner fuels is the co-combustion of coal and biomass. This process enables the reduction of harmful pollutants such as CO2, SO2, and can be implemented in existing boilers. Heating boilers achieve the highest design efficiency during optimal load at the level of 85–95% of nominal power. Under such conditions, heat production is most efficient. During operation, boilers are often started, extinguished or run below rated output, resulting in increased emissions. This publication presents the results of measurements of efficiency and concentrations of pollutants in the WR water boiler during operation below the technical minimum. Hard coal was cofired in the boiler with biomass of wood origin. It was noted that the amount of biomass had a significant impact on the boiler efficiency and pollutant emission. Based on the research, it was also noted that it was possible to make a qualitative prediction of these parameters. The obtained results are an introduction to a deeper analysis and further research on the correlation between the amount of biomass and boiler power and the efficiency and concentration of pollutants.