Biomass combustion in fluidized bed boilers: Potential problems and remedies
Sustainable process-product development & green chemistry
Sustainable & Clean Technologies - III: Combustion & Emission (T1-6)
Keywords: biomass, fluidized bed, emissions
Due to increasing environmental concerns especially related with the use of fossil fuels, new solutions to the greenhouse gas effect are continuously sought. Among the available alternative energy sources, including hydro, solar, wind etc to mitigate greenhouse emissions, biomass is the only carbon based sustainable option. Not only is the biomass renewable but increasing its share in heat and electricity production can reduce the total CO2 emissions and decrease our dependency on fossils fuels. Furthermore, its easy applicability in the existing heat and power producing units makes it very attractive for plant owners and delivers huge environmental dividends with low to occasionally zero investment costs. On one hand, the versatile nature of biomass enables it to be utilized in all parts of the world, and on the other, this diversity makes biomass a complex and difficult fuel. Especially the high percentages of alkali (potassium) and chlorine, together with high ash content, in some brands of biomass are proving to be the major source of concern. However, mechanisms leading to corrosion and high dust emissions problems have been identified and a range of solutions are already available. Among the technologies, that can be used for biomass combustion, fluidized beds are emerging as the best due to their flexibility and high efficiency. Although agglomeration problems associated with FBCs for certain herbaceous biofuels is still a major issue but successful and applicable/implementable solutions have been reported. This review article presents the major issues concerned with biomass combustion with special reference to the small scale fluidized bed systems. Problems have been identified, mechanism explained and solutions have been indicated. In conclusion, a range of concerns including environmental, economical and technical associated with biomass exist but none of these issues represent an insurmountable obstacle for this sustainable energy source. The focus, based on environmental and economical objectives, is broadening the spectrum by adding new possibilities, bridging the gaps, and bringing continuous improvement in the existing ones.
Presented Tuesday 18, 11:00 to 11:20, in session Sustainable & Clean Technologies - III: Combustion & Emission (T1-6).
